Decapauropus lambertoni

Presence of ten legs (five pairs) in adults separates Decapauropus from the majority of pauropods which have eight legs (four pairs). Identification to species level requires examination of pygidial appendage morphology and antennal branching patterns, best determined through microscopic analysis. Distinguished from congeners by subtle differences in setation and cuticular structures described in the original diagnosis by Remy (1956), though these characters require specialist knowledge of pauropod taxonomy.

Adults possess five pairs of walking legs (ten total), a diagnostic trait of the genus Decapauropus. Body minute, soft, and cylindrical with a distinct segmentation. Antennae branched, with a characteristic pauropodan structure including a globulus (sensory organ) on the distal article. Cuticle generally pale and unpigmented, lacking the sclerotization seen in larger myriapods. Pygidial sternite with two pairs of posterior appendages (styliform and cylindrical), the morphology of which is species-specific but undescribed in detail for this taxon.

Soil-dwelling; inhabits the humus layer and mineral soil horizons in forested and wooded environments. Requires moist conditions to prevent desiccation of the soft cuticle. Specific microhabitat preferences for this species undocumented, but pauropods generally favor stable, undisturbed soils with high organic content.

Recorded from Africa, South America, and Southern Asia based on occurrence data. The disjunct distribution pattern across multiple continents suggests potential misidentification, cryptic species complexes, or inadequate sampling rather than genuine cosmopolitanism. Specific localities within these broad regions not documented in available sources.

Has been observed feeding on fungal hyphae and decaying organic matter, though direct observations for this species are lacking. Pauropods are generally considered mycophagous or detritivorous.

Slow-moving, burrowing through soil interstices using legs and body undulations. Avoids light; negatively phototactic. When disturbed, may curl into a tight spiral or remain motionless. Aggregations have been reported in some pauropod species but not documented for this taxon.

Contributes to soil nutrient cycling through consumption of fungal biomass and fine particulate organic matter. Serves as prey for small soil predators including mites, small beetles, and other microarthropods. Role in fungal community structure likely minor due to small population sizes relative to other soil fauna.

No direct economic or medical significance. Occasionally encountered in soil samples during ecological surveys or agricultural soil assessments. Presence indicates stable, minimally disturbed soil conditions.

• Allopauropus spp.Also in family Pauropodidae but adults possess eight legs (four pairs) versus ten in Decapauropus; pygidial appendage structure differs
• Other Decapauropus speciesShare ten-legged condition; require detailed examination of antennal and pygidial characters for separation
• Diplopoda (millipedes)Superficially similar cylindrical body form but possess two leg pairs per body segment and generally much larger size

• soil fauna
• microarthropod
• myriapod
• cryptic species
• ten-legged pauropod
• mycophagous

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life