Cylindroiulus punctatus

(Leach, 1816)

blunt-tailed snake millipede

Cylindroiulus punctatus, commonly called the blunt-tailed snake , is a widespread European millipede in the Julidae. It is the most commonly recorded millipede in Britain and Ireland, strongly associated with woodland where it feeds on decaying wood and leaf litter. The exhibits seasonal vertical , in soil and moving to litter and logs during warmer months, with individuals sometimes found metres above ground in trees during summer. It takes three years to reach sexual maturity and can live for several additional breeding years. The species has been introduced to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in North America.

Cylindroiulus punctatus by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.Cylindroiulus punctatus by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.Cylindroiulus punctatus by (c) Joss Carr, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Joss Carr. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cylindroiulus punctatus: //sɪˌlɪndroʊˈdʒuːləs pʌŋkˈteɪtəs//

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

Identification

and later stages possess a distinctive club-shaped caudal projection at the tail end, giving rise to the "club-tailed ." The body is brown with fine punctation (small dots) that can be difficult to see. The has approximately 100 legs and moves slowly.

Images

Habitat

Strongly associated with woodland , particularly dead and decaying wood and under the bark of dead trees. Occupies both decaying logs and soil, with seasonal movement between these microhabitats. Found in non-calcareous, commonly loamy soils. Shows negative association with , sand dunes, and grassland. In the British Isles, has a rural and semi-natural distribution.

Distribution

Native to western Europe, ranging from southern Scandinavia and the Shetland Islands to northern Spain and the Balearic Islands. Most commonly recorded in Britain and Ireland, found in nearly all parts of both islands. Generally a thermophilic lowland , though occur above 1000 m in northeastern Spain. Introduced to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, Canada.

Seasonality

Seasonal vertical pattern: in soil, shifting to litter and logs during warmer months. By spring, individuals move into trees and may be found metres above ground during summer months.

Diet

Feeds on wood and leaf litter.

Life Cycle

Reaches sexual maturity at stadium VIII during the third winter. Females can breed for several additional years, reaching a maximum of 14 stadia. Mating and -laying occur during warmer months. Nests are constructed beneath the bark of fallen logs and stumps, found from May to August. Batches contain 45 to 60 eggs.

Behavior

Exhibits seasonal vertical between soil (winter) and litter/logs/trees (warmer months). and later stages display a club-shaped caudal projection.

Ecological Role

Decomposer in woodland , processing wood and leaf litter.

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Sources and further reading