Cherokia georgiana
(Bollman, 1889)
Georgia Flat-backed Millipede, Wrinkled Flat-backed Millipede
Cherokia georgiana is a monospecific in the Xystodesmidae, representing the sole in genus Cherokia. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of seven gene loci supports recognition of a single highly variable species, with three formerly recognized (C. g. ducilla, C. g. latassa) now synonymized. The species exhibits extensive morphological variation in coloration, body size, and paranota shape that correlates with geography and elevation rather than phylogenetic relationships. It is sister to the genus Pleuroloma.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cherokia georgiana: //kɛˈroʊkiə ˌdʒɔrˈdʒiænə//
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Identification
Distinguished from related (Pleuroloma, Apheloria, Boraria) by combination of wrinkled surface, paranota , and color pattern. Formerly separated into based on scapulora position and body proportions, but these characters show continuous clinal variation rather than discrete groupings. Molecular data confirm single status despite high morphological variability.
Images
Habitat
Appalachian Mountains region; elevations vary across range with morphological traits showing correlation with elevation
Distribution
Eastern United States; previously known range expanded to include Virginia as new state record and approximately 160 new localities compared to historically documented range; center of diversity in Appalachian Mountains
Behavior
Exhibits high morphological variability in coloration, body size, and paranota shape; morphological traits show clinal variation with direct relationship to geographical distribution and elevation, but not with
Similar Taxa
- Pleuroloma flavipesShares bright aposematic coloration, flattened paranota body plan, and HCN-based chemical defense; belongs to same tribe Rhysodesmini and is sister to Cherokia
- Apheloria virginiensisSimilar warning coloration pattern (black with /orange markings) and flattened body with paranota; historically confused in field identification
- BorariaRelated in Xystodesmidae with similar aposematic coloration and paranota
Misconceptions
Formerly recognized as three distinct (georgiana, ducilla, latassa) based on discrete morphological characters; molecular and delimitation analysis demonstrate these represent continuous variation within single species
More Details
Phylogenetic relationships
Cherokia is and sister to Pleuroloma based on seven-gene
Subspecies synonymization
Cherokia georgiana ducilla (Chamberlin, 1939) and Cherokia georgiana latassa Hoffman, 1960 formally synonymized with C. georgiana based on ABGD delimitation analysis and morphological evidence of continuous variation
Citizen science contribution
Range expansion and new locality records substantially augmented through citizen science project participation
Measurement considerations
Historical length measurements complicated by trunk flexibility; addressed in recent studies by using single ring measurements for more reliable comparisons