Okeanobates americanus
This record describes Okeanobates americanus (species). Recorded family: Okeanobatidae. Recorded order: Julida.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Diplopoda
- Order
- Julida
- Family
- Okeanobatidae
- Genus
- Okeanobates
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Appalachian region:QC to NC/TN (GSMNP)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Okeanobates americanus Enghoff 1979
About Julida: the wider group
Order-level background for Julida, the group containing Okeanobates americanus. 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 Okeanobates americanus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by v belov