Craspedosomatidae

Gray in Jones, 1843

Genus Guides

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Craspedosomatidae is a of millipedes in the order Chordeumatida. The family contains at least 30 and approximately 210 described . individuals typically possess 30 body segments (counting the collum and ), though some species have 28. Members of this family are known for complex male genitalia involved in sperm transfer during mating.

System der Myriapoden Koch Plate 01 by Carl Ludwig Koch (1778-1857). Used under a Public domain license.Craspedosoma rawlinsii 164698188 by Peter T. Rühr. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Craspedosoma rawlinsii by Feralcateater000. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Craspedosomatidae: /kræs.pɛ.dəˈsoʊ.mæ.tɪˌdiː/

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Distribution

Distribution records exist for Denmark (DK), Norway (NO), and Sweden (SE).

Behavior

Mating has been observed in the Craspedosoma. Males force females into mating position; females attempt to evade males by rolling up when touched. Male copulatory organs are clasper-like and may function to prevent female escape. Sperm transfer occurs via cuticular projections of the that brush sperm over the openings of the female receptacula seminis, rather than insertion of a male organ.

More Details

Taxonomic diversity

The comprises at least 30 with 210 described , making it a moderately diverse group within Chordeumatida.

Reproductive biology

Mechanical compatibility of genital structures appears important for successful copulation. Intermediary specimens between nominal Craspedosoma transsilvanicum and C. alemannicum have been documented, suggesting potential hybridization and questioning the existence of strict mechanical isolation mechanisms between some species pairs.

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