Aniulus orientalis
This record describes Aniulus orientalis (species). Recorded family: Parajulidae. Recorded order: Julida.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Diplopoda
- Order
- Julida
- Family
- Parajulidae
- Tribe
- Aniulini
- Genus
- Aniulus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Athens, WV, east to Mecklenburg Co., VA, and south to Raleigh, NC ‒Derek Hennen
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aniulus orientalis Causey 1952
About Julida: the wider group
Order-level background for Julida, the group containing Aniulus orientalis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Julida is the largest millipede order in temperate regions with ~750 described species. The spotted snake millipede (Blaniulus guttulatus) is a common garden species across Europe and North America.
Ecological role of the group
Julid millipedes are critical soil engineers that fragment leaf litter and mix organic material into deeper soil layers. They consume their own fecal pellets (coprophagy) to extract maximum nutrients from plant material.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Some Julida species are significant agricultural pests - the spotted snake millipede damages strawberries, sugar beet, potatoes, and other root crops by feeding on seeds and seedlings.
Recorded sources for this group: Agricultural entomology, soil ecology research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Aniulus orientalis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by v belov