Chicobolus spinigerus

(Wood, 1864)

Florida Ivory Millipede, Ivory Millipede

Chicobolus spinigerus is a large, cylindrical native to the southeastern United States, commonly known as the Florida Ivory Millipede. Males typically measure 40–85 mm in length, with females reaching up to 90 mm. The has been documented as a natural intermediate for the parasitic acanthocephalan Macracanthorhynchus ingens, playing a role in the of this vertebrate . It is frequently kept in captivity by hobbyists and has become established in the pet trade.

Chicobolus spinigerus by (c) meflowers900, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Chicobolus spinigerus by (c) Sandra H Statner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandra H Statner. Used under a CC-BY license.Chicobolus spinigerus by (c) Sandra H Statner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandra H Statner. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chicobolus spinigerus: /tʃiːkoʊˈboʊləs spɪˈnɪdʒərəs/

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Images

Distribution

Native to the southeastern United States. Occurs throughout the Florida Peninsula and panhandle, as well as southern Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Host Associations

  • Macracanthorhynchus ingens - intermediate Parasitic acanthocephalan (Acanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae) that develops within this before reaching its definitive vertebrate

Ecological Role

Intermediate in transmission dynamics; serves as a natural host for Macracanthorhynchus ingens, facilitating the parasite's development before it reaches its definitive vertebrate host

Human Relevance

Frequently kept in captivity by enthusiasts and hobbyists; commonly available in the pet trade as an entry-level for terrestrial arthropod husbandry

Sources and further reading