Pleuroloma cala

(Chamberlin, 1939)

Pleuroloma cala is a flat-backed millipede in the Xystodesmidae, to peninsular Florida south of the Suwannee River. It is one of four recognized in the Pleuroloma, distinguished from the widespread P. flavipes by subtle morphological differences in segmental profile, sternal configuration, and male structure. The species was originally described as Zinaria cala by Chamberlin in 1939.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pleuroloma cala: /plɛʊˈroʊloʊmə ˈkælə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Pleuroloma by segmental profile, configuration and degree of of the sterna, and aspects of the male . Reliable identification requires examination of these characters in combination. Separated from the widespread P. flavipes by geographic range (peninsular Florida only) and subtle morphological differences. The four North American Pleuroloma species are difficult to distinguish without detailed examination.

Habitat

Occurs in peninsular Florida south of the Suwannee River. Specific microhabitat preferences have not been documented.

Distribution

to peninsular Florida, United States, occurring south of the Suwannee River. Records from North America per GBIF and iNaturalist.

Similar Taxa

Pleuroloma flavipesWidespread occurring from the eastern Atlantic Coast to the central Great Plains; distinguished by geographic range and subtle morphological differences in segmental profile and male
Pleuroloma pinicolaCoastal North and South Carolina ; distinguished by geographic range and morphological characters
Pleuroloma planaRanges from piedmont South Carolina to Gulf Coast of north Florida; distinguished by geographic range and morphological characters

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Zinaria cala by Chamberlin in 1939. Transferred to Pleuroloma by Shelley in 1980 during his revision of the .

Evolutionary context

Shelley (1980) proposed that P. cala, along with P. pinicola and P. plana, arose from successful penetrations of the southeastern Coastal Plain by P. flavipes during the Pliocene and early Pleistocene.