Millipede Species Research Articles

Sexual size and shape dimorphism in Brachydesmus troglobius Daday, 1889 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida).

Until now, morphological trait variation has been investigated in several millipede species using geometric morphometrics. The present study is the first attempt to explore sexual shape and size dimorphism (SShD and SSD) of morphological structures in Polydesmida. We here analyse antennal, head, and leg SShD and SSD in Brachydesmus troglobius Daday, 1889. Our results show that SSD exists in all of the analysed structures, while SShD is present only in the legs. In comparison with females, males possess longer and wider legs, as well as longer antennae and a shorter head. Contrary to previous findings in some Julida, in B. troglobiusSSD of the antennae and legs varies more than SShD in these morphological structures.

Three new species of penicillate millipedes from the Con Dao Islands ofsoutheast Vietnam (Diplopoda, Lophoproctidae and Polyxenidae).

We describe three new penicillate millipede species from Con Dao Archipelago in southeastern Vietnam: Alloproctoides consonensis n. sp. (Lophoproctidae), Monographis condorensis n. sp. (Polyxenidae), and Unixenis moniqueae n. sp. (Polyxenidae). Comparative morphological and genetic studies based on 18S and COI genes indicate that all three species differ from previously described species.

Release of greenhouse gases from millipedes as related to food, body size, and other factors

The release of greenhouse gases from millipede digestive tracts warrants study because of its potential effect on climate change and also as an indicator of microbial processes that transform organic matter during passage through the gut of these animals. Gas chromatography was used to quantify the release of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O) from living millipedes in laboratory conditions. The effect of four food types (leaf litter of alder, oak, and maple, and rotten wood) on the release of CH4, CO2, and N2O by 12 species was also assessed. In addition, two julid species were fed pure cellulose to test the ability of these millipedes to obtain energy from cellulose and to determine the effect of this diet on gas production.All of the tested millipede species produced CO2 and some produced CH4. Stable and substantial CH4 emission was restricted to the large millipedes in the tropical orders Spirobolida and Spirostreptida. This asymmetrical phylogenetic distribution of CH4 production may be related to body size and the presence of gut commensals, but these factors may influence each other and depend upon geographic distribution of species. The quality of the food and feeding regime can also affect CH4 production in that CH4 release was significantly higher when millipedes were fed alder leaf litter rather than oak or maple leaf litter. CO2 production from millipedes mainly reflected the metabolic response of the animals. Traces of N2O were only occasionally emitted by millipedes; this release evidently depends on the N content in the food and seems to be restricted to members of the Glomeridae family. Based on gas production, the tested species of millipedes were unable to obtain their energy needs from a diet of pure cellulose.

A new species of penicillate millipede from genus Mauritixenus (Diplopoda, Polyxenidae) found in Vietnam

A new species of penicillate millipede from genus Mauritixenus (Diplopoda, Polyxenidae) found in Vietnam

Catalogue of the millipedes (Diplopoda) in Miller’s collection (Department of Zoology, National Museum, Prague, Czechia), part 2

The present catalogue completes (as the second of the two parts) data for the millipede collection of Czech arachnologist František Miller (1902–1983), housed in the National Museum in Prague. This second part of the catalogue brings information on a total of 341 specimens belonging to 34 millipede species; these specimens were previously housed at Charles University in Prague, and later moved to the National Museum. The material was collected during 1927–1950 in the territory of modern-day Czechia and Slovakia. Chelogona carpathicum, Polydesmus tatranus and Trachysphaera acutula are species of special importance for Slovak faunistics, due to their endemic occurrence. Glomeris klugii is the first record for Slovakia. For Leptoiulus noricus and Polydesmus inconstans, these are chronologically the oldest records from the territory of Slovakia.

Consumption Performance of Five Detritivore Species Feeding on Alnus glutinosa L. Leaf Litter in a Microcosm Experiment

The present study was performed to assess the feeding performance of five detritivore species in a microcosm design. The test animals were four millipede species, Telodeinopus aoutii (Demange), Epibolus pulchripes (Gerstäcker), Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus (Wood), Glomeris hexasticha (Brandt), and one isopod species, Porcellio scaber (Latreille), all feeding on Alnus glutinosa L. leaf litter for five consecutive weeks. At the end of each one-week interval, litter consumption, animal fresh weight, and excrement production were measured. Then, the feeding activity parameters for each species were calculated. Between big-size animal species, higher leaf consumption rates of 12.3–30.9 mg dry weight day−1 individual−1 were calculated for T. aoutii compared to those of 3.72–8.25 mg dry weight day−1 individual−1 for E. pulchripes. However, there was no difference in the consumption rates among small-size animals ranging from 0.46 to 1.65 mg dry weight day−1 individual−1. Excrement production rates followed a similar trend, as the consumption rates and the animals’ body weight remained constant during the experiment. Time was an important factor influencing the feeding activity of the animals, especially for the big-size group. Overall, the average assimilation efficiency of these species varied from 13.7% to 53.3%. The results of the present work will be the first step for understanding the ecological needs of these decomposer species in soil ecosystems.

Cave millipedes of the United States. XVI. Two new species from Oregon CavesNational Monument, Oregon (Chordeumatida, Conotylidae and Caseyidae).

Two new species of millipedes are described from Oregon Caves National Monument, Josephine County, Oregon, USA: Taiyutyla caseophila, n. sp. (Conotylidae), a troglophile; and Opiona catorycha, n. sp. (Caseyidae), a troglobiont found in at least one other cave in the region. We also provide a brief discussion of the invertebrate biodiversity of Oregon Cave.

The oldest pill millipede fossil: A species of the Asiatic pill millipede genus Hyleoglomeris in Baltic amber (Diplopoda: Glomerida: Glomeridae)

The first new fossil pill millipede, order Glomerida, description in more than 150 years is based on two specimens, one male and one female, found in Baltic amber. Both specimens were studied with light- and micro-CT technology, allowing a detailed reconstruction of the posterior telopods and numerous other morphological characters. Based on these characters, the specimens can be securely placed in the megadiverse, mainly Asiatic genus Hyleoglomeris Verhoeff, 1910 as a new species, Hyleoglomeris groehni n. sp. The species H. groehni n. sp. is the oldest and only known fossil member of the Glomerida that is sufficiently described to allow for placement in a family or genus. The discovery of a fossil Hyleoglomeris in Baltic amber has biogeographic implications as the genus is now speciose in Asia, with the nearest relatives found in the Caucasus and some caves in Serbia and Greece. With the discovery of a fossil European Hyleoglomeris species, the cave Hyleoglomeris species are interpreted as relicts, surviving underground as living witnesses of a different time when Hyleoglomeris was still extant in Europe. Other cave Glomerida in Europe, as well as morphologically aberrant pill millipede species endemic to the Canary Islands, should be checked for potential placement in Hyleoglomeris.

Cave millipede diversity with the description of six new species from Guangxi, China

We synthesized the current knowledge of cave-dwelling millipede diversity from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi), South China Karst, China and described six new millipede species from four caves from the Guilin area, northeastern Guangxi. Fifty-two cave-dwelling millipedes are known for the region consisting of 38 troglobionts and 14 troglophiles. Of the troglobionts, 24 are presently considered single-cave endemics. New species described here includeHyleoglomerisrukouqusp. nov.andHyleoglomerisxuxiakeisp. nov.(Family Glomeridae),Hylomusyuanisp. nov.(Family Paradoxosomatidae),Eutrichodesmusjianjiasp. nov.(Family Haplodesmidae),Trichopeltisliangfengdongsp. nov.(Family Cryptodesmidae), andGlyphiulusmaocunsp. nov.(Family Cambalopsidae). Our work also resulted in range expansions ofPacidesmustrifidusGolovatch & Geoffroy, 2014,BlingulussinicusZhang & Li, 1981 andGlyphiulusmelanoporusMauriès & Nguyen Duy-Jacquemin, 1997. As with many hypogean animals in Southeast Asia, intensive human activities threaten the persistence of both cave habitats and species. We provide both assessments on the newly described species’ distributions and recommendations for future research and conservation efforts.

Two new pill millipedes (Diplopoda: Glomerida: Glomeridae) from high mountains of Vietnam

ABSTRACTTwo new pill millipede species, namely Hyleoglomeris hoanglien sp. nov. and H. fanxipan sp. nov., are described from high elevations (approximately 2,800–2,900 m) of the Hoang Lien National Park, northern Vietnam. A new species, H. hoanglien sp. nov. is clearly distinguished by the telopods being short, stout and incrassate, femora strongly condensed, tibia without modifications, syncoxital lobe bifid trapeziform, and syncoxital horns with an apical seta and a spine. Hyleoglomeris fanxipan sp. nov., is diagnosed by the telopods being long and robust, tibia without modifications, syncoxital lobe roundly trapeziform, and syncoxital horns truncated at tip. COI-based DNA barcodes of the two species are also provided for the first time in the genus Hyleoglomeris. The K2P genetic distance between the two new species is 0.148. In addition, an identification key to the Vietnamese Hyleoglomeris species is also provided.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6DEFED42-0D65-4F50-9D24-A0923B9D1709

Autophagy and Apoptosis in the Midgut Epithelium of Millipedes.

The process of autophagy has been detected in the midgut epithelium of four millipede species: Julus scandinavius, Polyxenus lagurus, Archispirostreptus gigas, and Telodeinopus aoutii. It has been examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which enabled differentiation of cells in the midgut epithelium, and some histochemical methods (light microscope and fluorescence microscope). While autophagy appeared in the cytoplasm of digestive, secretory, and regenerative cells in J. scandinavius and A. gigas, in the two other species, T. aoutii and P. lagurus, it was only detected in the digestive cells. Both types of macroautophagy, the selective and nonselective processes, are described using TEM. Phagophore formation appeared as the first step of autophagy. After its blind ends fusion, the autophagosomes were formed. The autophagosomes fused with lysosomes and were transformed into autolysosomes. As the final step of autophagy, the residual bodies were detected. Autophagic structures can be removed from the midgut epithelium via, e.g., atypical exocytosis. Additionally, in P. lagurus and J. scandinavius, it was observed as the neutralization of pathogens such as Rickettsia-like microorganisms. Autophagy and apoptosis ca be analyzed using TEM, while specific histochemical methods may confirm it.

Heterogeneity in millipede communities (Diplopoda) within a forest–forest edge–meadow habitat complex

The positive influence of heterogeneity in vegetation and land-use on animal diversity is generally well established, but it has not been conclusively confirmed yet in millipede communities inhabiting karst canyons where biodiversity is to large extent determined by variation in topography (e.g., elevation). We studied how millipede assemblages (Diplopoda) vary between forest, forest edge, and meadow habitats in this specific karst environment. We sampled millipedes by pitfall trapping during two vegetation seasons (from March to October in 2001 and 2002) in approximately monthly intervals across nine sites in Central Slovakia (Veľká Fatra Mts). In total, 951 individuals belonging to 12 species from 6 families and 10 orders were collected. The dominant species was Unciger foetidus, which was also one of the two most frequent species along with Polydesmus complanatus. Although the total number of captured millipedes was greatest on forest edges (395 individuals), intermediate in meadows, and lowest in forests (214 individuals), millipede abundance and species composition varied considerably within each habitat type among the sites. Total millipede species richness in meadow and forest edge habitats was the same (11 species) and it was lower in forest habitats (7 species), while species diversity (Shannon's H′) and equitability (E) were greatest in meadows. Millipede diversity measures (species richness or equitability) were correlated positively with species richness of herb layer and negatively with shrub layer equitability, soil conductivity, and soil phosphorus. Thus, we found complex patterns of heterogeneity in millipede community composition and richness across studied habitats and elevations that were driven by habitat type and plant community and soil characteristics. While millipede abundance patterns varied, open habitats supported most species-rich millipede communities at lower elevations, while forest edges were most species-rich at the high elevation.

Phylogenetic and morphological discord indicates introgressive hybridisation in two genera of Australian millipedes (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae).

Discord between molecular and morphological datasets was observed in two pairs of species of Australian millipedes in the family Paradoxosomatidae using morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis (mitochondrial COI rDNA and 16 rRNA, and nuclear 28S rRNA). Close to the presumed distributional boundary between Pogonosternumnigrovirgatum (Carl, 1912) and Pogonosternumjeekeli Decker, 2017, near Dargo in Central Gippsland, Victoria, Pogonosternum specimens were collected which are phylogenetically closer to P.jeekeli in COI and 16S sequences, but are morphologically closer to P.nigrovirgatum. At Mount Osmond, Adelaide, South Australia, eight morphologically typical Somethuscastaneus (Attems, 1944) specimens were collected are phylogenetically closer to S.castaneus in 28S genealogy, but three of the eight are closer to S.lancearius Jeekel, 2002 in COI genealogy. These two cases are discussed in terms of hybridisation, past introgressive hybridisation events and aberrant morphology.

Foraging behaviour as a mechanism for trophic niche separation in a millipede community of southern Vietnam

Trophic differentiation is one of the mechanisms for species coexisting in the communities of soil arthropods. Even in saprophagous animals having a generalized diet, separation of the trophic niches can be achieved by using different behavioural foraging strategies. We examined the foraging behaviour and time budget use in two millipede species, Thyropygus carli and Orthomorpha sp., which share the same habitat and have similar diet, in a lowland monsoon forest in southern Vietnam. We performed field observations of the millipedes’ behaviour with 1 min resolution time. For both species, observations covered full day and night with ten replications (240 h for each species). Species differed in their time budget use. T. carli spent most time in searching for food and much less time feeding and resting. Orthomorpha sp. usually spent the middle of the day resting and night time eating. The midday rest and relatively short periods of searching in Orthomorpha sp. are most likely caused by avoiding heat and dryness, whereas T. carli has no circadian rhythm, which is facilitated by a large body size, high mobility and a relative independence of abiotic conditions. We conclude that T. carli behaviour is related to an energy maximising foraging strategy, whereas Orthomorpha sp. realises time minimising strategy. Thus, behavioural differentiations and different use of time budget contribute to the trophic niche separation among coexisting millipede species.

New interesting records of three cavernicolous millipede species from the Crimean Peninsula

New interesting records of three cavernicolous millipede species from the Crimean Peninsula

Novelty upon novelty visualized by rotational scanning electron micrographs (rSEM): Laboulbeniales on the millipede order Chordeumatida.

Laboulbeniales are highly specific ectoparasitic fungi of arthropods (insects, millipedes, and arachnids). The first Laboulbeniales parasitizing the millipede order Chordeumatida (Diplopoda) were discovered and described as a new dioecious genus of Laboulbeniales, Thaxterimyces, to accommodate the new species T. baliensis. Also the millipede host is a new species and is described as Metopidiothrix sheari. This is the first time Laboulbeniales fungus and its millipede host are described as new together. Males of Metopidiothrix have the most extensive secondary sexual modifications in the entire class Diplopoda. Although nothing is known about the function of these modifications, the unique pattern of Laboulbeniales infection in the new millipede species is obviously related to host sexual behavior. Rotational Scanning Electron Micrographs (rSEM) are used to create a 3D comprehensive model to examine the fungal-host interaction, a more advanced visualization of the ectoparasitic fungus on its host. Laboulbeniales diversity on millipedes is still understudied, and a consistent effort is needed to unveil and understand the extent and diversity of this biological interaction. Due to their minute size and apparently non-detrimental effect on their hosts, Laboulbeniales in general have been largely ignored by mycologists and neglected by generations of entomologists. As a result a significant component of global biodiversity has been strongly underestimated, and a wealth of new discoveries is still to be made both in the field and in existing museum collections.

A synopsis of Estonian myriapod fauna (Myriapoda: Chilopoda, Diplopoda, Symphyla and Pauropoda)

The data on Estonian Myriapoda are scattered in various publications and there has been no overview of the fauna up to the present. A critical summary of the previous information on Estonian Myriapoda is given, supplemented by new records and distribution maps. Altogether, 5784 specimens from 276 collecting sites were studied. To the hitherto recorded 14 centipede species are added Lithobiusmelanops, L.microps, Geophiluscarpophagus, G.flavus, Strigamiatranssilvanica and Stenotaenialinearis, a probably introduced species. Of the 27 published Estonian millipede species, the data on two species proved erroneous, and two new species were recorded (Craspedosomaraulinsii and Cylindroiulusbritannicus). Two previously recorded millipede species – Brachyiuluspusillus and Mastigophorophyllonsaxonicum – were not found in the recent samples, the latter may have become more rare or extinct. Pauropoda and Symphyla lack previous reliable records. Combined with published data, the number of myriapod species known from Estonia is now set at 52. Some changes in species distribution and frequencies were detected comparing the published data with new records. Some data about habitat preferences of the more common species are also given. The majority of species have a western Palaearctic distribution, while six species are at the northern limit of their ranges.

Intraspecific variation in litter palatability to macroarthropods in response to grazing and soil fertility

Abstract Clarifying the functional consequences of intraspecific trait variability in response to interacting trophic levels would provide a significant improvement in our understanding of above‐ground–below‐ground linkages. In particular, the effects of grazing on plant traits may translate into altered litter quality, with potentially important consequences for litter‐feeding decomposers. Plant and litter variability in response to grazing is expected to depend on soil fertility levels, with tolerance and defensive strategies more commonly expressed on fertile and poorer soils, respectively. However, how grazing and fertility interactively alter litter quality and palatability to detritivores has not been explored yet. We conducted a cafeteria experiment with three common millipede (Diplopoda) species feeding on leaf litter from two plant species, the grass Bromopsis erecta and the forb Potentilla verna. Each millipede was offered a binary choice between litter types produced by the same plant species, but sampled in plots with distinct herbivory and fertilization status: litter originating from grazed areas or from 1‐year sheep exclosures, both in native areas and in adjacent paddocks that received chemical N and P fertilization, as well as litter from a 25‐year sheep exclosures in the native area. We found that fertilization and herbivore exclusion interactively affected Bromopsis litter quality and palatability, whereas Potentilla was much less affected. Bromopsis litter palatability was not affected by grazing when litter was collected in native plots, except for the long‐term exclosure which led to low palatability. In contrast, and in line with our expectations, herbivory was associated with much higher palatability in fertilized plots. The changes in palatability were associated with important alterations of litter quality. Overall, our study demonstrates that intraspecific variation in litter can have profound consequences for soil functioning. It emphasizes the role of grazing as a key, but plant species‐specific factor controlling litter intraspecific variability, and its complex interaction with soil fertility level. Moreover, our results advocate for a better understanding of the response of the different organisms involved in the decomposition process, in particular litter‐feeding macro‐detritivores. We encourage future studies aiming at disentangling the various and complex relationships between above‐ground processes such as herbivory and soil functioning.

An integrative and citizen science based approach to the rediscovery and redescription of the only known high-altitude endemic Pill Millipede, Glomeris aurita Koch (Diplopoda, Glomerida)

The pill millipede species Glomeris aurita Koch, 1847 remained of relative unknown origin and appearance until its recent rediscovery in samples from the Bergamasque Alps, northern Italy. In order to provide an integrative redescription and accurate identification of the high-altitude microendemic G. aurita, COI barcode sequences from three individuals coming from two different localities were obtained. These sequences are compared with those of the syntopic endemic G. oblongoguttata Verhoeff, 1894, the widespread black morph of G. romana Verhoeff, 1900, as well as several widespread species including G. marginata Villers, 1789, G. connexa Koch, 1847, and G. klugii Brandt, 1833, which have rare colour morphs that exhibit some similarity to G. aurita. To rule-out any identity confusion of G. aurita with other high-altitude or little-known Italian Glomeris, specimens of G. transalpina Koch, 1836, G. oropensis Verhoeff, 1934, and G. primordialis Verhoeff, 1932 were also added to the dataset. Altogether, 24 sequences were compared. Morphologically, the specimens of G. aurita were studied utilizing scanning electron microscopy as well as non-invasive micro-CT technology. The distribution of both Bergamasque endemics, G. aurita and G. oblongoguttata, could be mapped and compared utilizing samples from the Museo civico di Scienze Naturali di Bergamo, as well as photographic evidence from an Italian naturalist forum. G. aurita has a very short active period and is the first known pill millipede species restricted to mountain tops and cold places, possibly representing a Nunatak survivor.

Revision of Phryssonotus burmiticus (Diplopoda, Polyxenida, Synxenidae) in mid-Cretaceous amber from Myanmar

Phryssonotus burmiticus (Cockerell, 1917) was the first formally described millipede species in the mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar. Although it has been reassigned and redescribed several times, critical characters for a reliable placement of the species remain elusive. Here we provide detailed morphological characters of P. burmiticus on the basis of six well-preserved adults (five males, one female) and nine juveniles. The species has many similarities to extant species in many aspects, including the number of ommatidia, the number and arrangement of sensory trichomes, morphology and arrangements of body trichomes, and features of the trunk appendages. It differs from extant species by assemblage of numbers of ommatidia and trichome B. The new morphological interpretation indicates a long-term morphological stasis in this peculiar millipede group.