Stemmiulidae | |
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Stemmiulus beroni, a West African species | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
Phylum: | |
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Order: | Stemmiulida
Cook, 1895
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Family: | Stemmiulidae
Pocock, 1894
|
Stemmiulida is an order of millipedes consisting of approximately 130 species, reaching up to 50 mm in length. It contains a single family, Stemmiulidae.
Stemmiulids are small to medium sized millipedes, reaching a maximum length of 50 mm (2 in). The body tapers gradually, and is laterally compressed, so is taller than wide. A dorsal groove is present and runs from head to tail. The eyes consist of two large ocelli on each side of the head, and some members are capable of jumping. [1] [2] The living species lack Tömösváry organs, although a fossil species from the Miocene epoch possesses them. [3]
Stemmiluda contains 6-10 living genera and at least one fossil genus, all in the family Stemmiulidae. Species estimates range from about 120 to 150 species. [4] [5] The taxonomy is controversial, with some authors lumping species into as few as three genera. [5] The most liberal classification is presented below. [6]
Stemmiulidae | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Stemmiulus beroni, a West African species | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
Phylum: | |
Subphylum: | |
Class: | |
Subclass: | |
Infraclass: | |
Superorder: | |
Order: | Stemmiulida
Cook, 1895
|
Family: | Stemmiulidae
Pocock, 1894
|
Stemmiulida is an order of millipedes consisting of approximately 130 species, reaching up to 50 mm in length. It contains a single family, Stemmiulidae.
Stemmiulids are small to medium sized millipedes, reaching a maximum length of 50 mm (2 in). The body tapers gradually, and is laterally compressed, so is taller than wide. A dorsal groove is present and runs from head to tail. The eyes consist of two large ocelli on each side of the head, and some members are capable of jumping. [1] [2] The living species lack Tömösváry organs, although a fossil species from the Miocene epoch possesses them. [3]
Stemmiluda contains 6-10 living genera and at least one fossil genus, all in the family Stemmiulidae. Species estimates range from about 120 to 150 species. [4] [5] The taxonomy is controversial, with some authors lumping species into as few as three genera. [5] The most liberal classification is presented below. [6]