Caseya
Cook & Collins, 1895
Caseya is a of small millipedes in the Caseyidae, order Chordeumatida. These millipedes are part of the diverse soil-dwelling fauna of western North America. The genus was established by Cook and Collins in 1895 and is the type genus of its family. Members of this genus are characterized by their reduced body size and simplified typical of the Caseyidae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Caseya: /ˈka.se.ja/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Chordeumatida by simplified structure and association with Caseyidae characteristics. Differs from related in Caseyinae by specific gonopod and geographic distribution in western North America.
Appearance
Small-bodied millipedes with reduced body size relative to other chordeumatidan . (male reproductive appendages) are simplified in structure, a defining feature of the family Caseyidae. Body composed of standard diplopod segments with two pairs of legs per segment except the first few.
Habitat
Found in moist forest floor , particularly in coniferous and mixed woodlands of the Pacific Northwest. Occupies soil and leaf litter layers where humidity is maintained.
Distribution
Western North America: documented from California, Oregon, and Washington in the United States.
Ecological Role
Contributes to decomposition of organic matter in forest floor through feeding activities.
Similar Taxa
- Other Caseyidae generaShare simplified structure but differ in specific morphological details and geographic range
- Other Chordeumatida familiesDistinguished by Caseyidae-specific simplification and body proportions
More Details
Taxonomic significance
Caseya is the type of Caseyidae and Caseyinae, making it central to the classification of this lineage.
Data scarcity
The is poorly represented in biodiversity databases, with only 6 observations in iNaturalist as of source date, indicating limited field documentation.