Harpaphe
Harpaphe
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Myriapoda
- Class: Diplopoda
- Order: Polydesmida
- Family: Xystodesmidae
- Tribe: Xystodesmini
- Genus: Harpaphe
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Harpaphe: //ˈhɑːrpəfi//
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Summary
Harpaphe haydeniana, or the yellow-spotted millipede, is a polydesmidan millipede known for its distinctive coloration, cyanide secretion, and ecological role in forest ecosystems along the Pacific Coast.
Physical Characteristics
Body length of 4–5 cm, upper surface black to olive green with yellowish patches along the sides. Males have 30 pairs of legs, while females have 31 pairs due to modified legs for gonopods on males.
Identification Tips
Distinctive dark coloration with yellow-tipped keels; approximately twenty body segments. Notably emits an almond scent due to hydrogen cyanide secretion.
Habitat
Moist forests, commonly found in redwood forests along the Pacific Coast.
Distribution
From Southeast Alaska to Monterey County, California, and as far east as the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Diet
Feeds on leaf litter and humus, breaking it down to release nutrients.
Life Cycle
Individuals may live for 2–3 years, with significant variation in leg count depending on sex.
Reproduction
Sexual reproduction involves modified male legs (gonopods) for sperm transfer.
Predators
Specialized predator includes the ground beetle Promecognathus laevissimus; few other predators due to cyanide defense.
Ecosystem Role
Important for soil aeration and decomposition of leaf litter, contributing to the nutrient cycle in forest ecosystems.
Health Concerns
Secretion of hydrogen cyanide can cause irritation and pain if it contacts sensitive areas such as the mouth, eyes, or nose, but is not dangerous to humans.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collecting in moist forest litter
- Using pitfall traps in habitats with high populations
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Freezing for short-term storage
Similar Taxa
- Harpaphe pottera
- Harpaphe telodonta
- Boraria spp.
- Chonaphe spp.
- Paimokia spp.
- Hybaphe spp.
- Montaphe spp.
Misconceptions
Some species such as Anoplodesmus saussurii have been incorrectly identified as H. haydeniana.
Tags
- Harpaphe
- yellow-spotted millipede
- cyanide millipede
- millipedes
- Polydesmida