Paradoxosomatidae sp. (family)

Millipede at Tennent, ACT

Paradoxosomatidae sp. (family) at Tennent, ACT - 30 Nov 2017
Paradoxosomatidae sp. (family) at Tennent, ACT - 30 Nov 2017
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Identification history

Paradoxosomatidae sp. (family) 4 Dec 2017 michaelb
Paradoxosomatidae sp. (family) 4 Dec 2017 michaelb
Unidentified 2 Dec 2017 KenT

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User's notes

On the shady side of a shrub stem among many shrub stems I couldn't get any other access for further images

4 comments

michaelb wrote:
   5 Dec 2017
ID by Dr Robert Mesibov.
michaelb wrote:
   5 Dec 2017
Comment by Robert Mesibov: "Mating paradoxosomatids. The image captures the earliest stage, when the male approaches the female from behind and on top. Shame they weren't collected, we could have had an ID."
ID to species requires detailed examination of the animals, especially the male. See the comments on the following sighting:
http://canberra.naturemapr.org/Community/Sightings/Details/3377420
KenT wrote:
   5 Dec 2017
Thanks Michael, any idea how to recognize a male when one finds a single individual? Millepedes are a group I know next to nothing about.
michaelb wrote:
   6 Dec 2017
Unfortunately, you need to handle the animal to find out.
A quote from Bob Mesibov: "How to tell if it's a mature male?
http://www.polydesmida.info/polydesmida/plans.html
With live Pogonosternum, you gently uncoil it and you should be able to spot the gonopods as yellow-gold structures about 1/3 of the way down the body from the head. The animal will resist uncoiling but if you hold it patiently it will relax and fully extend."

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Sighting information

  • 2 Abundance
  • 30 Nov 2017 09:07 AM Recorded on
  • KenT Recorded by

Additional information

  • 25mm to 50mm Animal size

Species information

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