Sigmoria nigrimontis
(Chamberlin, 1947)
Sigmoria nigrimontis is a of flat-backed millipede in the Xystodesmidae, first described by Chamberlin in 1947. The species is to North America and comprises four recognized . As a member of the order Polydesmida, it possesses the characteristic dorsoventrally flattened body form typical of flat-backed millipedes.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sigmoria nigrimontis: /sɪɡˈmɔːriə ˌnaɪɡrɪˈmɒntɪs/
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Identification
Identification to level requires examination of , the primary diagnostic feature for xystodesmid millipedes. The four (S. n. nigrimontis, S. n. angulosa, S. n. intermedia, and S. n. unicoi) are distinguished by subtle variations in body shape and coloration, with S. n. angulosa and S. n. unicoi described by Shelley in 1981 from the southern Appalachian region. Subspecies S. n. intermedia was originally described under a different before being transferred to Sigmoria.
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Habitat
Inferred from distribution patterns in the Appalachian region; specific microhabitat requirements for this have not been documented.
Distribution
North America, with distributed across the Appalachian Mountain region. Sigmoria nigrimontis angulosa and S. n. unicoi are known from the southern Appalachians.
Similar Taxa
- Other Sigmoria speciesMembers of the Sigmoria share the flattened body plan and Appalachian distribution; definitive separation requires examination.
- Apheloria speciesSympatric xystodesmids in the same tribe Apheloriini with similar coloration; distinguished by structure and minor body proportions.
More Details
Subspecies
Four are recognized: Sigmoria nigrimontis nigrimontis (the nominate subspecies), S. n. angulosa Shelley 1981, S. n. intermedia (Hoffman 1948), and S. n. unicoi Shelley 1981. The subspecies intermedia was originally described as Pachydesmus intermedius by Hoffman in 1948 before transfer to Sigmoria.