Howellaria deturkiana
This record describes Howellaria deturkiana (species). Recorded family: Xystodesmidae. Recorded order: Polydesmida.
Identification and Appearance
Paranota red-orange with caudal metatergal line connecting them. Anterior portion of metazonites mottled brown-black. Collum similar. Antennae, legs white. Gonopods with an apically prolonged acropodite. Also have ventrally spined postgonopodal coxae
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Diplopoda
- Order
- Polydesmida (Flat-backed Millipedes)
- Family
- Xystodesmidae
- Tribe
- Rhysodesmini
- Genus
- Howellaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Leaf litter
Geographic Range
sw.NC (Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain cos.) & GSMNP in TN (Blount & Sevier cos.)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Decaying leaves
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Howellaria deturkiana (Causey 1942)
About Flat-backed Millipedes: the wider group
Order-level background for Polydesmida, the group containing Howellaria deturkiana. 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 Howellaria deturkiana (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Derek Hennen; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Howellaria deturkiana
What is Howellaria deturkiana?
Howellaria deturkiana is a species in the family Xystodesmidae, within the order Polydesmida.
How big is Howellaria deturkiana?
2.7 cm
How do you identify Howellaria deturkiana?
Paranota red-orange with caudal metatergal line connecting them. Anterior portion of metazonites mottled brown-black. Collum similar. Antennae, legs white. Gonopods with an apically prolonged acropodite. Also have ventrally spined postgonopodal coxae
Where is Howellaria deturkiana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Leaf litter |
| Range | sw.NC (Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain cos.) & GSMNP in TN (Blount & Sevier cos.) |
What does Howellaria deturkiana eat?
The diet of the Howellaria deturkiana includes Decaying leaves.