Chondromorpha xanthotricha

Distinguished from similar flat-backed millipedes by its small size (20–26 mm), chestnut to dark grey coloration, and notably rapid locomotion. The two recognized subspecies, C. x. hamuligerus and C. x. hirsutus, differ in gonopod structure. Identification to subspecies level requires examination of male reproductive structures.

Adults measure 20–26 mm in length. Body coloration ranges from chestnut brown to dark grey.

Native to South India and Sri Lanka. Introduced and established in numerous tropical and subtropical regions including: Brazil, Cuba, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Haiti, Taiwan, Philippines, Bali, New Caledonia, Samoa, Fiji, Mauritius, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Suriname, Puerto Rico, other Caribbean Islands, and Singapore (first recorded 2012).

Exhibits notably rapid movement compared to typical millipede locomotion.

A synanthropic species spread globally through shipping and commerce. Its introduction to numerous countries has been documented since at least the early 20th century. First recorded in Singapore in 2012.

• Other ParadoxosomatidaeShare general body plan but differ in size, coloration, and speed; many native species lack the widespread introduced distribution pattern
• Other Chondromorpha speciesCongeners may overlap in native range but differ in specific morphological characters and distribution

• synanthropic
• introduced species
• tramp species
• millipede
• flat-backed millipede

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life