Cherokia
Chamberlin, 1949
wrinkled flat-backed millipede
Cherokia is a monospecific of flat-backed in the Xystodesmidae, containing only Cherokia georgiana (Bollman, 1889). Molecular phylogenetic analysis has confirmed the genus as and sister to Pleuroloma. The exhibits substantial morphological variation in paranota shape, body size, and coloration that correlates with geography and elevation rather than phylogenetic relationships. Previously recognized have been synonymized under C. georgiana.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cherokia: //tʃɛˈroʊkiə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Xystodesmidae by a wrinkled surface texture, horizontally wide paranota with minimal downward curvature, a straight on the (versus curved or twisted in Apheloriini), a long icepick-like prefemoral on the telopodite, and absence of a receptacle in female cyphopods. Coloration ranges from to red with variable patterns including two-spotted, three-spotted, and striped forms; the three-spotted yellow pattern is most common.
Images
Habitat
Southeastern United States forests, particularly those containing hemlock, maple, tulip poplar, rhododendron, cedar, and spruce-fir trees.
Distribution
Eastern United States, centered in the Appalachian Mountains region. Range expanded through citizen science collections to include Virginia and approximately 160 new localities beyond previously documented distributions in western North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.
Behavior
Highly variable in coloration and body ; morphological traits show clinal variation correlated with geographic distribution and elevation.
Similar Taxa
- PleurolomaSister to Cherokia; both belong to tribe Rhysodesmini and share flat-backed with paranota expansion. Pleuroloma flavipes exhibits similar aposematic and black coloration but differs in structure.
- ApheloriaRelated in Xystodesmidae sharing aposematic coloration and cyanide defense; distinguished by curved or twisted on versus straight telopodite in Cherokia.
- BorariaRelated Polydesmida with similar warning coloration pattern; not closely related within Xystodesmidae.