Austrotyla
Causey, 1961
Species Guides
1Austrotyla is a of small millipedes in the order Chordeumatida, Conotylidae. The genus was established by Causey in 1961. At least one , A. awishoshola, is known exclusively from cave moss gardens in New Mexico, where it persists as a potential climatic relict from Pleistocene conditions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Austrotyla: //ˌaʊstroʊˈtaɪlə//
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Images
Habitat
Moss gardens in lava tube caves, particularly in cave entrances and beneath skylights where mesic (moist) conditions persist. These microhabitats provide the humidity required by chordeumatidan millipedes in otherwise arid regions.
Distribution
New Mexico, USA. The includes found in El Malpais National Monument, Cibola County, with at least one species (A. awishoshola) currently known from a single cave within the monument.
Behavior
Requires mesic conditions; at least one appears restricted to cave environments as a potential climatic relict following post-Pleistocene climate warming.
Ecological Role
Serves as an indicator of refugial and relictual . Cave moss gardens occupied by Austrotyla are recognized as important conservation targets for preserving relictual fauna.
Human Relevance
Conservation recommendations have been developed specifically for A. awishoshola and its cave moss garden , highlighting management importance for this restricted-range .