Order Spirobolida

The Spirobolida (Order Spirobolida) includes 16 species across 5 families and 13 genera in our directory.

About Spirobolida

Spirobolida (round-backed millipedes) includes ~500 described species. These robust millipedes are common in tropical and temperate forests where they are important decomposers of leaf litter.

Economic Impact

Millipedes occasionally invade homes in large numbers during mass migrations triggered by rain or dry conditions. While they are harmless, these invasions can be alarming and may require pest management services.

Ecological Role

Spirobolid millipedes process enormous quantities of leaf litter - in some tropical forests, millipedes break down up to 40% of annual leaf fall. Their fecal pellets are rich in nutrients that support soil microbial communities.

Families in Spirobolida (5)

Species in Spirobolida (16)

Onychelus obustus

Atopetholidae

Identification: The only atopetholid with a striking color pattern (other are a drab uniform gray to black) ―Rowland Shelley

Tylobolus uncigerus

Spirobolidae

Identification: A rather slender Tylobolus , brownish gray ("fuscous") with no (or very little) red or yellow on the margins. Commonly has striae on hindbelt (rear margin of ring) up to level of ozopores, and more pronounced lips of the anal valve th