Gosodesmus
Chamberlin, 1922
pink feather boa millipede
Species Guides
1- Gosodesmus claremontus(Pink Feather Boa Millipede)
Gosodesmus is a of platydesmidan millipedes described by Ralph V. Chamberlin in 1922. The sole , Gosodesmus claremontus, is to California and notable for its bright pink to coral coloration. The species has been the subject of chemical research following the 2020 discovery of a novel alkaloid, gosodesmine, in its defensive secretions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gosodesmus: //ɡoʊsoʊˈdɛsməs//
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Identification
The bright pink to coral coloration distinguishes this from most other North American millipedes. The combination of small size (under 30 mm), high segment count (up to 81), and optional dark stripe provides additional diagnostic characters within the Platydesmida.
Images
Appearance
Individuals range from 17 to 27 mm in body length and possess up to 81 body segments. Coloration varies from bright pink to coral, with some individuals bearing a black or purple stripe.
Habitat
Occurs within rotted wood, particularly that of oak trees. Found in forested environments of the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada mountains.
Distribution
to California, USA. Documented from the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada.
Host Associations
- oak - frequently found within rotted oak wood
Ecological Role
Contributes to decomposition of rotting wood in forest .
Human Relevance
Subject of chemical research; source of the novel alkaloid gosodesmine (7-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydroindolizine), discovered in 2020 and isolated from defensive secretions.
Similar Taxa
- Other PlatydesmidaOther platydesmidan millipedes lack the distinctive bright pink to coral coloration; most are duller in coloration.
More Details
Chemical defense
In 2020, Dr. Tappey Jones and colleagues at Virginia Military Institute identified a novel natural product in the chemical defense secretion of G. claremontus: the alkaloid gosodesmine.
Taxonomic status
The is , containing only Gosodesmus claremontus.