Onychelus obustus
Cook, 1904
Onychelus obustus is a in the Atopetholidae, described by Cook in 1904. It belongs to the order Spirobolida, a group of large, cylindrical millipedes commonly known as giant millipedes or round-backed millipedes. The species has been documented in North America, particularly in the United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Onychelus obustus: /ɔˈnɪkələs oʊˈbʌstəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
As a member of Atopetholidae, Onychelus obustus likely exhibits the 's characteristic cylindrical body form with smooth or lightly sculptured . Definitive identification to requires examination of male , which are species-specific copulatory structures. The Onychelus can be distinguished from related atopetholids by subtle differences in leg and segment structure, though precise diagnostic features for O. obustus specifically require taxonomic literature.
Distribution
North America; confirmed present in the United States. Specific state or regional records are not documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Other Onychelus speciesCongeneric share the same general body plan and geographic range; differentiation requires examination of male reproductive structures.
- Atopetholus speciesMembers of the same Atopetholidae with overlapping distribution in North America; distinguished by subtle morphological differences in segment and leg structure.
More Details
Taxonomic History
Described by O.F. Cook in 1904, this has remained in the Onychelus with no recorded taxonomic revisions or synonymizations.
Observation Data
iNaturalist records 65 observations of this , indicating it is documented by citizen scientists but may be undercollected relative to more conspicuous millipedes.