Tylobolus uncigerus
This record describes Tylobolus uncigerus (species). Recorded family: Spirobolidae. Recorded order: Spirobolida.
Identification and Appearance
A rather slender Tylobolus , brownish gray (fuscous) with no (or very little) red or yellow on the margins. Commonly has striae on hindbelt (rear margin of ring) up to level of ozopores, and more pronounced lips of the anal valve than congeners.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Diplopoda
- Order
- Spirobolida
- Family
- Spirobolidae
- Genus
- Tylobolus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw.WA to Mariposa & Santa Cruz cos., CA ( 3 ) . The northernmost species of Tylobolus .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tylobolus uncigerus (Wood 1864)
About Spirobolida: the wider group
Order-level background for Spirobolida, the group containing Tylobolus uncigerus. 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 Tylobolus uncigerus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Sam McNally; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tylobolus uncigerus
What is Tylobolus uncigerus?
Tylobolus uncigerus is a species in the family Spirobolidae, within the order Spirobolida.
How do you identify Tylobolus uncigerus?
A rather slender Tylobolus , brownish gray (fuscous) with no (or very little) red or yellow on the margins. Commonly has striae on hindbelt (rear margin of ring) up to level of ozopores, and more pronounced lips of the anal valve than congeners.
Where is Tylobolus uncigerus found?
Range: sw.WA to Mariposa & Santa Cruz cos., CA ( 3 ) . The northernmost species of Tylobolus .