Trichopetalidae
This record describes Trichopetalidae (family). Recorded order: Chordeumatida.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Diplopoda
- Order
- Chordeumatida
- Family
- Trichopetalidae
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
About Chordeumatida: the wider group
Order-level background for Chordeumatida, the group containing Trichopetalidae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Chordeumatida includes ~800 described species of small, pale millipedes typically found in leaf litter and caves. Many species are endemic to specific mountain ranges or cave systems, making them important for conservation biology.
Ecological role of the group
These millipedes are important decomposers in cool, moist forest habitats. Their restricted distributions make them valuable indicators of ancient habitat connectivity and refugia from past ice ages.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Chordeumatid millipedes have minimal economic impact. Several cave-dwelling species are critically endangered due to their extremely limited distributions and sensitivity to habitat disturbance.
Recorded sources for this group: Conservation biology, cave fauna research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.