Pseudopolydesmus

Attems, 1898

Pink Flat-backs

Species Guides

Pseudopolydesmus canadensis(Canadian Flat-back Millipede)
Pseudopolydesmus collinus(Rolling Hills Flat-back)
Pseudopolydesmus erasus
Pseudopolydesmus paludicolus
Pseudopolydesmus pinetorum
Pseudopolydesmus serratus(Common Pink Flat-back)

Pseudopolydesmus is a of flat-backed millipedes in the Polydesmidae. Following a 2019 taxonomic review using scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet fluorescence, the genus now comprises eight recognized in North America. The genus has been subject to recent anatomical studies using 3D imaging techniques to examine internal and external .

Pseudopolydesmus pinetorum by no rights reserved, uploaded by Calinsdad. Used under a CC0 license.

Pseudopolydesmus serratus by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pseudopolydesmus collinus by (c) Derek Hennen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Derek Hennen. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pseudopolydesmus: //sjuːdoʊˌpɒlɪˈdɛsməs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

within this occupy forested environments. Pseudopolydesmus pinetorum is associated with pine forest , as indicated by its species epithet. The broader genus distribution includes forest floor and woodland habitats typical of Polydesmidae.

Distribution

North America. Distribution records include the United States (Vermont and other eastern/midwestern states) and Canada.

Human Relevance

Subject of recent scientific research employing advanced imaging techniques. Pseudopolydesmus serratus has been used in 3D x-ray scanning studies to map anatomy and reconstruct morphological structures. The serves as a model for studying diplopod and reproductive .

Similar Taxa

Other Polydesmidae generaFlat-backed millipedes in the same share the characteristic laterally expanded keeled tergites; -level and generic-level identification requires examination of and other fine structural details
XystodesmidaeBoth contain flat-backed millipedes with keeled tergites; distinguished by family-level characters including structure and ozopore position

More Details

Taxonomic revision

A 2019 taxonomic review reduced the number of recognized from at least 12 to eight, using scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet fluorescence to produce detailed diagnostic imagery. The eight currently recognized species are: P. caddo, P. canadensis, P. collinus, P. erasus, P. minor, P. paludicolus, P. pinetorum, and P. serratus.

Research significance

Pseudopolydesmus has been used in advanced morphological studies, including 3D x-ray reconstruction of male P. serratus anatomy and microCT imaging of genitalia development, contributing to understanding of reproductive .