Abacion magnum

(Loomis, 1943)

crested millipede

Abacion magnum is a crested in the Abacionidae, first described by Loomis in 1943. It is native to North America and is characterized by defensive chemical secretions containing p-cresol. In captivity, it has been observed to feed on dead insects and conspecifics, indicating opportunistic scavenging .

Abacion magnum 30595916 by Ryan Watson. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Abacion magnum defensive glands crop by T. Eisner, J. J. Hurst, and J. Meinwald. Used under a CC0 license.

Abacion magnum 30595917 by Ryan Watson. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Abacion magnum: /əˈbeɪʃiˌɒn ˈmæɡnəm/

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Identification

As a member of the order Callipodida, Abacion magnum can be distinguished from other orders by its body plan and preferences. Within the Abacionidae, -level identification requires examination of and other subtle structural features. The species epithet 'magnum' suggests relatively large size compared to , though specific measurements are not documented in available sources.

Images

Distribution

North America. Specific range details within this region are not documented in available sources.

Diet

In captivity, has been observed to feed on dead insects and dead members of its own . Natural diet in the wild is unknown.

Behavior

Produces defensive secretions when disturbed. The chemical composition of these secretions has been analyzed by infrared spectrophotometry and vapor phase chromatography.

More Details

Chemical defense

Defensive secretions contain p-cresol (4-methylphenol), a phenolic compound with antimicrobial properties and characteristic odor. This represents one of the chemically characterized defense systems in the Abacionidae.

Nomenclatural history

Originally described as Spirostrephon magnum by Loomis in 1943, later transferred to the Abacion. The basionym reflects historical classification within a different group.