Apheloria tigana
This record describes Apheloria tigana (species). Recorded family: Xystodesmidae. Recorded order: Polydesmida.
Identification and Appearance
A. tigana is the dominant xystodesmid in central NC, particularly the Triangle (Raleigh‒Durham‒Chapel Hill). Individuals typically have yellow paranota, a yellow middorsal spot on the anterior margin of the collum or 1st segment, and yellow middorsal spots on the 3‒5 caudalmost segments. In central NC south of the Deep/Cape Fear Rivers there is a different and undescribed species with yellow middorsal splotches on essentially every segment. ‒Rowland Shelley Like many (most, all?) millipedes, fluoresces under UV light:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Diplopoda
- Order
- Polydesmida (Flat-backed Millipedes)
- Family
- Xystodesmidae
- Tribe
- Apheloriini
- Genus
- Apheloria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Apheloria tigana Chamberlin 1939
About Flat-backed Millipedes: the wider group
Order-level background for Polydesmida, the group containing Apheloria tigana. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Polydesmida (flat-backed millipedes) is the largest millipede order with ~3,500 described species. Many species produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN) as a chemical defense - a strategy unique among arthropods.
Ecological role of the group
Flat-backed millipedes are major leaf litter decomposers in forest ecosystems, recycling calcium, nitrogen, and other nutrients. Their fecal pellets contribute significantly to soil formation and humus production.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Millipedes are generally beneficial decomposers but can occasionally damage seedlings and soft fruits in gardens. Some tropical species cause skin irritation through their cyanide-based defensive secretions.
Recorded sources for this group: Myriapod research, soil ecology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Apheloria tigana (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cotinis , Hannah Nendick-Mason , Vox Sciurorum , v belov