Chonaphe
Cook, 1904
Chonaphe is a of flat-backed millipedes in the Xystodesmidae, established by Cook in 1904. The genus comprises four described distributed in western North America. These millipedes belong to the order Polydesmida, characterized by their laterally flattened body form. Species within this genus have been documented through both taxonomic descriptions and citizen science observations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chonaphe: //ˈkɒnəfi//
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Identification
Members of Chonaphe can be distinguished from other xystodesmid by genitalic characters, particularly features of the (male reproductive appendages). The genus is placed in the tribe Xystodesmini. Specific external morphological characters distinguishing Chonaphe from related western North American xystodesmid genera require examination of and original descriptions.
Distribution
Western North America. Documented occurrences span from the Pacific coastal region inland, with specific distributions varying by species: Chonaphe armata (California), Chonaphe evexa (Oregon), Chonaphe remissa (California), and Chonaphe schizoterminalis (California).
Similar Taxa
- XystocheirBoth are western North American xystodesmid in the tribe Xystodesmini; distinguished by and -level distribution patterns.
- HarpapheAnother western North American xystodesmid ; Harpaphe are often larger and more conspicuously colored, with distinct structures separating the genera.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was erected by O.F. Cook in 1904. Two were described by R.L. Shelley in 1994 (C. evexa and C. schizoterminalis), contributing to the current four-species .
Observation data
As of source documentation, iNaturalist records 283 observations for the , indicating moderate levels of detection by naturalists in the field.