Promecognathus-prey

Guides

• Xystocheir dissecta

  Xystocheir dissecta is a flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae. It is found along the coast of Northern California, particularly in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. The species is notable for its chemical defense system, producing hydrogen cyanide gas when threatened. Three subspecies are recognized: X. d. dissecta, X. d. microrama, and X. d. taibona.

  millipedecyanide-defensechemical-defenseCalifornia-endemicflat-backed-millipedeXystodesmidaePromecognathus-prey

• Xystocheir dissecta taibona

  Xystocheir dissecta taibona is a subspecies of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae. It is a synonym of Xystocheir taibona and is known from California. Like other members of its genus, it produces cyanide as a chemical defense against predators. The subspecies is documented as prey for the specialized carabid beetle Promecognathus.

  millipedecyanidechemical-defensePolydesmidaXystodesmidaeCalifornia-endemicPromecognathus-preyoak-woodlanddetritivoresynonym