Kepolydesmus anderisus
(Chamberlin, 1910)
Kepolydesmus anderisus is a small, flat-backed first described by Chamberlin in 1910. It belongs to the Nearctodesmidae, a group of polydesmidan millipedes characterized by relatively simple structures and North American distribution. The species was originally described as Polydesmus anderisus before being transferred to Kepolydesmus. Like other members of its family, it likely inhabits moist forest floor where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Kepolydesmus anderisus: /kɛpɔliˈdɛsməs ændəˈraɪsəs/
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Identification
Members of Kepolydesmus can be distinguished from related in Nearctodesmidae by , particularly the structure of the telopodite and solenomere. Specific diagnostic features for K. anderisus require examination of male gonopods; the original description by Chamberlin (1910) should be consulted for precise morphological details. The can be separated from its K. covensis by subtle differences in gonopod configuration.
Distribution
North America. Specific locality data from the original description indicates United States distribution, though precise range boundaries remain undocumented in modern literature.
Similar Taxa
- Kepolydesmus covensisCongeneric with overlapping distribution; distinguished by requiring microscopic examination
- Nearctodesmus spp.Members of same Nearctodesminae with similar body form; differ in structure and somite counts
More Details
Nomenclatural history
Originally described as Polydesmus anderisus Chamberlin, 1910. Transferred to Kepolydesmus, though the date and author of this generic reassignment requires verification from primary taxonomic literature.