Tropidischiinae

Tropidischiinae can be distinguished from other Rhaphidophoridae subfamilies by combinations of characters including body proportions and genitalic morphology. Unlike the more widespread subfamily Rhaphidophorinae, Tropidischiinae species often show reduced eye size and elongated appendages associated with subterranean or crevice-dwelling habits. Definitive identification requires examination of male genitalia and comparison with type specimens.

Species in this subfamily inhabit cool, moist microhabitats including caves, talus slopes, and forest litter in montane regions. Many species show strong association with limestone karst formations or rocky substrates that provide stable humidity and temperature refugia.

Western North America, ranging from southwestern Canada through the western United States to northern Mexico. Center of diversity in the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and associated ranges. Some species have highly restricted ranges associated with specific cave systems or mountain ranges.

• RhaphidophorinaeThe other major subfamily of Rhaphidophoridae; Tropidischiinae differs in genitalic structure and often shows more pronounced troglomorphic adaptations in cave-dwelling species
• DolichopodainaeAnother Rhaphidophoridae subfamily; Tropidischiinae is distinguished by different arrangements of spines on the hind tibiae and male genitalia morphology

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life