Onychelus obustus
This record describes Onychelus obustus (species). Recorded family: Atopetholidae. Recorded order: Spirobolida.
Identification and Appearance
The only atopetholid with a striking color pattern (other are a drab uniform gray to black) ―Rowland Shelley
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Diplopoda
- Order
- Spirobolida
- Family
- Atopetholidae
- Genus
- Onychelus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. Riverside Co., CA, to around Phoenix/Tucson, AZ, or the eastern edge of the desert. ―Rowland Shelley
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Onychelus obustus Cook 1904
About Spirobolida: the wider group
Order-level background for Spirobolida, the group containing Onychelus obustus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
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.
Ecological role of the group
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.
Economic and practical significance of the group
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.
Recorded sources for this group: Tropical ecology, decomposition studies. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Onychelus obustus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Onychelus obustus
What is Onychelus obustus?
Onychelus obustus is a species in the family Atopetholidae, within the order Spirobolida.
How do you identify Onychelus obustus?
The only atopetholid with a striking color pattern (other are a drab uniform gray to black) ―Rowland Shelley
Where is Onychelus obustus found?
Range: w. Riverside Co., CA, to around Phoenix/Tucson, AZ, or the eastern edge of the desert. ―Rowland Shelley