Tylobolus uncigerus
(Wood, 1864)
Black Round Millipede
Tylobolus uncigerus is a large, cylindrical in the Spirobolidae. It is commonly known as the Black Round Millipede due to its dark coloration and rounded body profile. The is native to western North America, with records concentrated in California. As a spirobolid millipede, it exhibits the characteristic tight spiral coiling when disturbed.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tylobolus uncigerus: //taɪˈloʊbələs ʌnˈsɪdʒərəs//
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Identification
Large, robust cylindrical body with smooth, black to dark brown coloration. Each body segment bears two pairs of legs, typical of Diplopoda. Distinguished from similar large millipedes in the western United States by its uniformly dark color without contrasting segmental markings or paranotal extensions. The name 'uncigerus' refers to distinctive claw-like structures on the of males.
Images
Distribution
Western North America; primarily recorded from California, United States.
Behavior
When disturbed, individuals coil tightly into a spiral with the positioned at the center—a defensive characteristic of Spirobolida.
Similar Taxa
- Narceus annularisOverlaps in western North America; distinguished by lighter coloration with contrasting segmental rings and less appearance.
- Hiltonius speciesSimilar large spirobolids in the same region; differentiated by subtle differences in male and slight variations in body proportions.