Hiltonius
Chamberlin, 1918
Species Guides
2Hiltonius is a of cylindrical millipedes in the Spirobolidae containing 10 . The genus was established by Ralph Vary Chamberlin in 1918, named after Professor William A. Hilton of Pomona College. Species range from 35–70 mm in length with 40–49 body segments. Most species occur in Mexico, with the range extending from the southwestern United States to Guatemala.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hiltonius: //hɪlˈtoʊniəs//
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Identification
Distinguished from co-occurring Tylobolus by smaller maximum size (Hiltonius: up to 70 mm vs. Tylobolus: up to 92 mm), fewer ocelli per patch (21–37 vs. 27–50), smaller hooked process on the of the third leg in males, and differences in structure. The widely spaced eye patches with relatively low ocellus counts are diagnostic for the .
Appearance
Cylindrical millipedes with 40–49 body segments. Body length ranges 35–70 mm, width 4–10 mm. consist of widely spaced patches containing 21–37 ocelli each. Legs are short, typically not extending beyond body sides when held horizontally. Coloration ranges from brown to nearly black, often with thin red or yellow bands on rear segment margins.
Distribution
Southwestern United States to Guatemala, with highest diversity in Mexico. Northernmost : H. pulchrus in southern California and H. carpinus in northern Arizona. Isolated of H. carpinus in Guatemala.
Similar Taxa
- TylobolusCo-occurs in southern California; differs by larger size, more ocelli per patch, larger male leg coxal process, and distinct .
More Details
Etymology
named after Professor William A. Hilton of Pomona College, who collected the of H. pulchrus.
Species diversity
Contains 10 named with variable distributions—some widespread, others known only from type localities.