flat-backed millipedes
(Order Polydesmida)
Overview • Description • Distribution • Taxonomy
Overview |
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| Polydesmida (flat-backed millipedes) is the largest order of millipedes. It occurs on every continent worldwide except Antarctica and Greenland. There are about 3,500 species that have been described and more than that yet to be described. They are found in almost all habitats in leaf litter, under the bark of rotting logs, under rocks, and on living trees. They feed on decaying vegetation or the leaves and shoots of live plants. When threatened they exude irritants from pores along the sides of their body. | ||||||||
Description |
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Flat-backed millipedes are named for flattened, wing-like extensions (paranota) on the sides of each body segment on most species. Many also appear flattened when viewed from the side. However, some are cylindrical and have reduced paranota or no paranota. All are blind and lack eyes. Mature adults are ⅛″ to 5″ (3 to 130 mm) long. They have 19 or 20 body rings. There is no dorsal groove. On the male, the front pair of legs on the seventh ring are modified as reproductive structures (gonopods), while the hind pair are normal walking legs. |
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Distribution |
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Sources |
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| 9/26/2020 | ||||
Taxonomy |
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Subphylum |
Myriapoda (myriapods) | ||
Class |
Diplopoda (millipedes) | ||
| Subclass | Helminthomorpha | ||
Subordinate Taxa |
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Suborder Chelodesmidea Suborder Paradoxosomatidea Suborder Polydesmidea |
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Synonyms |
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Common Names |
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flat-backed millipedes |
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Visitor Photos |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos |
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Flat-backed millipede on cowpie |
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Other Videos |
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| Polydesmida Paul Mosquera |
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About
May 8, 2016 |
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Created: 9/26/2020
Last Updated: