Nearctodesmidae
Chamberlin & Hoffman, 1950
Genus Guides
3Nearctodesmidae is a of flat-backed millipedes in the order Polydesmida, found in northwestern North America. The family is taxonomically disputed, with some authorities treating it as a junior synonym of Macrosternodesmidae or Trichopolydesmidae, while others maintain it as a valid family. The defensive secretion of at least one , Nearctodesmus salix, contains hydrogen cyanide along with benzaldehyde and methylbutanoic acids, confirming cyanogenesis in this family. The family includes at least four : Bistolodesmus, Ergodesmus, Kepolydesmus, and Nearctodesmus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nearctodesmidae: //niːˌɑːrk.toʊˈdɛs.mɪˌdiː//
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Identification
Flat-backed millipedes (order Polydesmida) with the lateral extensions of each body segment (paranota) characteristic of this group. Specific diagnostic features distinguishing Nearctodesmidae from related are not documented in available sources.
Images
Habitat
Northwestern North America. Specific microhabitat preferences are not documented.
Distribution
Northwestern North America.
Human Relevance
Produces hydrogen cyanide as a defensive compound, which is toxic to and potentially hazardous if handled in large quantities.
Similar Taxa
- MacrosternodesmidaeTaxonomically disputed relationship; Nearctodesmidae is treated by many authorities as a junior synonym of Macrosternodesmidae, with Nearctodesmidae placed in Nearctodesminae.
- TrichopolydesmidaeSome authorities consider both Nearctodesmidae and Macrosternodesmidae to be junior synonyms of Trichopolydesmidae.
More Details
Taxonomic Status
The validity of Nearctodesmidae as a is disputed. Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym under Macrosternodesmidae, while GBIF accepts it as a valid family. NCBI also recognizes it as a family. The classification reflects ongoing debate in diplopod .
Chemical Defense
Nearctodesmus salix produces a defensive secretion containing hydrogen cyanide, benzaldehyde, 3-methylbutanoic acid, and 2-methylbutanoic acid. This is one of the documented cases of cyanogenesis in millipedes, extending the known distribution of this defense mechanism to the Nearctodesmidae.