Andrognathidae

Cope, 1869

Genus Guides

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Andrognathidae is a of small, thin-bodied millipedes in the order Platydesmida, suborder Colobognatha. The family contains approximately 17 and over 30 described , primarily distributed in the Holarctic region. Members are characterized by narrow sternites that make appear nearly contiguous, trunk ring pleurites with tergites, and a gnathochilarium composed of five . Some genera exhibit unusual social , including stellate formations and paternal -.

Ischnocybe plicata by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.Andrognathus by (c) Patricia L. Shorter, Derek A. Hennen, Paul E. Marek, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Andrognathus by (c) Derek Hennen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Derek Hennen. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Andrognathidae: /ænˌdroʊɡˈnæθɪˌdiː/

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Identification

Distinguished from the other platydesmidan , Platydesmidae, by family-level characters including sternite structure and gnathochilarium composition. Within the family, are distinguished by male genitalia characters, which require microscopic examination. Andrognathus are identified by subtle variation in male genitalia and geographic distribution.

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Habitat

Deciduous forests, particularly in mesic conditions. Found in decaying hardwood logs and large fallen branches. Occurs inside decaying wood and beneath bark, burrowing into dead organic matter and humus. Some occupy dry under pine logs. Not typically found beneath leaf litter.

Distribution

Primarily Holarctic. Andrognathus : eastern United States (Florida panhandle to southern Indiana and Pennsylvania), New Mexico, and Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Dolistenus genus: Mediterranean region with relict distributions. Two genera (Brachycybe, Pseudodesmus): Southeast Asia.

Life Cycle

Euanamorphic: individuals add leg-pairs and segments throughout their lifespan for an indeterminate amount of time.

Behavior

Some (Brachycybe, Pseudodesmus) form stellate pinwheel with cephalic ends pointing inward; Andrognathus corticarius has not been observed in such formations. Aggregations of and juveniles occur beneath bark. Chemical defenses involve secretion of heterocyclic nitrogen-containing alkaloids from ozopores.

Similar Taxa

  • PlatydesmidaeThe other in order Platydesmida; distinguished by differences in sternite structure and gnathochilarium composition.

More Details

Subfamilies

divided into three : Dolisteninae, Bazillozoniinae, and Andrognathinae. Andrognathinae contains only the Andrognathus.

Paternal Care

Male - has been documented in Yamasinaium noduligerum (Japan), representing the first record of this in Andrognathidae. Males carry eggs in modified and curl the body around egg masses.

Sources and further reading