Scoterpes sollmani
Lewis, 2000
Scoterpes sollmani is a troglobiotic described by Lewis in 2000 from cave systems in southern Indiana. As a member of Scoterpes, it is one of multiple cave-adapted in this exclusively troglobiotic group. The species belongs to the small Trichopetalidae within the order Chordeumatida, a group of small-bodied millipedes. No specific morphological details distinguishing S. sollmani from are provided in available sources.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scoterpes sollmani: /skoʊˈtɜrpiz ˈsɔlməni/
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Identification
Identification to level requires examination of and other fine structural characters; S. sollmani is distinguished from other Scoterpes species by features described in the original species description (Lewis 2000). The Scoterpes is characterized by troglobiotic adaptations including reduced pigmentation and elongated appendages, though specific traits for S. sollmani are not detailed in available sources.
Habitat
Caves; specifically the karst cave systems of the Blue River basin in southern Indiana. As a troglobiotic , it is an obligate cave-dweller with no known surface .
Distribution
Blue River basin of southern Indiana, USA.
Similar Taxa
- Scoterpes copeiBoth are troglobiotic Scoterpes ; S. copei is a widespread 'superspecies' complex with numerous genetically isolated , whereas S. sollmani is a distinct, geographically restricted species from Indiana.
- Scoterpes ventusBoth are troglobiotic Scoterpes ; S. ventus is another 'superspecies' complex, while S. sollmani represents a discrete with defined type locality.
- Trichopetalum speciesSuperficially similar small chordeumatidan millipedes in the same , but Trichopetalum are surface-dwelling or troglophilic rather than obligate troglobionts, and the are distinguished by structure.
- Zygonopus speciesTroglobiotic millipedes in the same and ; Zygonopus differ in and geographic distribution (Appalachian karst regions rather than Indiana).
More Details
Troglobiotic adaptations
As with all Scoterpes , S. sollmani likely exhibits typical troglobiotic features including depigmentation, reduced , and elongated appendages, though specific observations are not documented in available sources.
Taxonomic context
Scoterpes sollmani was one of eight new described in the 2011 revision of the , which expanded the known diversity of this exclusively cave-dwelling genus.