Onomeris
Cook, 1896
Onomeris is a of pill to the eastern United States. First described by Orator F. Cook in 1896, the genus was briefly considered the of its own Onomeridae before being placed in Glomeridae based on similarities to the European genus Glomeris. The genus contains three recognized : O. underwoodii, O. sinuata, and O. australora. Onomeris millipedes are notably smaller than other Glomeridae genera, measuring less than 5 mm in length.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Onomeris: /ɒnəˈmɛrɪs/
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Identification
Smaller than other Glomeridae (<5 mm vs. larger relatives). Distinguished by strongly geniculated with characteristic joint folding. Males identifiable by modified 17th leg pair with joints and enlarged . Previously confused with Trichomeris, now synonymized; separation from European Glomeris requires examination of male and leg modifications.
Habitat
varies by : Cumberland Plateau regions (O. sinuata), lowland areas (O. underwoodii), and mountainous areas of the southern Appalachians (O. australora). Specific microhabitat preferences within these regions remain poorly documented.
Distribution
Eastern United States. O. sinuata: Cumberland Plateau from northwestern Alabama to Virginia. O. underwoodii: lowland areas from Mississippi to Georgia. O. australora: mountainous areas of Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. Distribution data described as ; additional potentially discoverable in eastern United States.
Behavior
Conglobation (rolling into pill shape) when disturbed, typical of Glomerida.
Similar Taxa
- TrichomerisJunior synonym of Onomeris based on erroneous original drawings; previously considered distinct but synonymized in 2011 revision
- GlomerisEuropean in same ; Onomeris was originally separated as distinct family Onomeridae but retained in Glomeridae due to morphological similarities
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally proposed as of Onomeridae by Cook (1896), but this family-level distinction was rejected. Synonymization of Trichomeris with Onomeris published in Zootaxa 2725 (2011) based on re-examination of and discovery that distinguishing characters were artifactual.
Research gaps
First scanning electron micrographs for any Glomerida published in 2011 revision. Basic biology including diet, reproductive , and complete unknown. Distribution records remain sparse across all three .