Hiltonius pulchrus
Chamberlin, 1918
Hiltonius pulchrus is a spirobolid to southern California, United States. The was described by Chamberlin in 1918 and remains one of the better-documented members of the Hiltonius. It belongs to the Spirobolidae, a group of large cylindrical millipedes commonly known as giant millipedes.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hiltonius pulchrus: //hɪlˈtoʊniəs ˈpʌlkrʊs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other western North American spirobolids by its restricted range in southern California. Members of the Hiltonius can be separated from related genera by features of the (male reproductive appendages), though -level identification requires examination of these structures. The specific epithet "pulchrus" (beautiful) may refer to coloration or overall form, though published descriptions of external are limited.
Distribution
to the United States, occurring in California from Kern County south to San Diego County. The range spans approximately 400 km of the southern California coastal and interior regions.
Similar Taxa
- Hiltonius australisOverlaps in range in southern California; distinguished by and more southern distribution extending into Baja California
- Tylobolus spp.Sympatric spirobolid millipedes in California; separated by -level differences in structure and body proportions
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Ralph V. Chamberlin in 1918. The Hiltonius was revised by Keeton in 1960, who placed H. pulchrus in the tribe Tylobolini within Floridobolinae.