Trichopetalum

Harger, 1872

Species Guides

2

A of millipedes in the Trichopetalidae, order Chordeumatida. Contains seven described , all surface-dwelling or troglophilic. The genus is notable for the first documented authentic chordeumatidan and the production of a sticky defensive secretion from segmental setae bases. Species occur in North America, primarily the United States.

The cave fauna of North America (Pl. VII) (6124826166) by Packard, A. S.. Used under a Public domain license.Trichopatelum lunatum by Trépas. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.Craspedosomatidae of North America 1895 Plate II by O. F. Cook and G. N. Collins. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Trichopetalum: /ˌtraɪkoʊˈpɛtələm/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from the closely related Zygonopus (resurrected from synonymy) by surface-dwelling or troglophilic habits versus the exclusively troglobiotic lifestyle of Zygonopus. Distinguished from Scoterpes by non-troglobiotic . Seven recognized based on morphological characters; illustrations provided for identification in taxonomic literature.

Images

Habitat

Surface-dwelling or troglophilic; not restricted to cave environments.

Distribution

North America; United States.

Behavior

Produces a sticky secretion from the bases of the segmental setae, possibly serving a defensive function.

Similar Taxa

  • ZygonopusFormerly synonymized with Trichopetalum but resurrected based on exclusively troglobiotic habits versus surface-dwelling/troglophilic in Trichopetalum.
  • ScoterpesClosely related within the same (Trichopetalinae), but Scoterpes consists entirely of troglobiotic .

Tags

Sources and further reading