A preliminary survey and range extension of millipedes species introduced in Brazil (Myriapoda, Diplopoda)

The present study provides historical and new records of the introduced millipedes species in Brazil, Oxidus gracilis (C.L. Koch, 1847), Orthomorpha coarctata (Saussure, 1860) (Paradoxosomatidae), Prosopodesmus jacobsoni Silvestri, 1910 (Haplodesmidae), Trachyjulus calvus (Pocock, 1893a), Glyphiulus granulatus (Gervais, 1847) (Cambalopsidae), Trigoniulus corallinus (Gervais, 1842), Leptogoniulus sorornus (Butler, 1876), Epitrigoniulus cruentatus (Brölemann, 1903) (Pachybolidae), Paraspirobolus lucifugus (Gervais, 1837) (Spirobolellidae), Cylindroiulus britannicus (Verhoeff, 1891), Cylindroiulus truncorum (Silvestri, 1896) (Julidae), and Rhinotus purpureus (Pocock, 1894) (Siphonotidae). Among the 27 federative units in Brazil, 21 states present at least one record of a non-native species. Orthomorpha coarctata was the most widely distributed species, occurring in 15 states. Glyphiulus granulatus (state of Rio Grande do Sul), C. truncorum (São Paulo), and R. purpureus (Amazonas) were recorded from only one Brazilian state. The Southeast region concentrates most of the compiled records (42,6%) and richness by grid (5-7 species), mainly in urban areas of the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

Initial defensive secretory compounds emitted from the live millipede and the induction of apoptotic cell death

The initial defensive secretory compounds emitted from a live millipede have not yet been clarified. This study focused on elucidating the initial secretory compounds emitted from a live millipede. Pre-concentration of the defensive secretory volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the live Polidesmida millipedes, Chamberlinius hualienensis and Oxidus gracilis, was performed using a three-stage VOC concentration technique by an on-line GC/MS system. As a result, the monoterpenes derived from the plant metabolite; i.e., α-pinene, α-thujene, β-pinene, 3-carene, β-myrcene, β-phellandrene, γ-terpinene, o,m,p-cymenes, limonene and camphene were first detected as the initial secretory substances. It was elucidated that some plant monoterpenes have a repellent effect and antifungal and antibacterial actions which are used as defensive substances. In addition, this study also confirmed that these monoterpenes induced apoptotic cell death involved in the induction of the caspase 3/7 activity. The millipede feeds on fallen or withered leaves containing the monoterpenes. Thus, the millipede accumulates the plant defensive secretions in the exocrine defense glands of the body somites, which would be used as against predators.

Invertebrados exóticos nuevos o poco conocidos en la ciudad de Buenos Aires

Las especies invasoras pueden causar diversos problemas a nivel socioeconómico y para la conservación de la biodiversidad. La detección temprana de las especies naturalizadas puede ser de vital importancia para el monitoreo y la planificación de estrategias de contención del proceso de invasión. La fauna de planarias terrestres (Tricladida, Geoplanoidea), babosas terrestres (Mollusca, Limacidae), diplópodos (Myriapoda, Diplopoda) y sínfilos (Myriapoda, Symphylla) de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires se encuentra poco estudiada, y la adición de especies exóticas transportadas por las actividades humanas complejiza la situación de poco conocimiento. En este trabajo se dan a conocer nuevos registros de especies de estos grupos que se han naturalizado en el ámbito urbano de la ciudad y sus alrededores (Bipalium kewense, Austroplana sanguinea, Ambigolimax valentianus, Brachyiulus pusillus, Oxidus gracilis y Scutigerella immaculata). Se evaluó el potencial como invasor de cada especie en base a lo registrado en otros países. Hasta el día de la fecha no existen registros publicados de planarias terrestres, sínfilos, o diplópodos para esta área, por lo cual el presente trabajo constituye la primera contribución sobre estos grupos. Las especies mencionadas perjudican a las actividades agropecuarias y horticulturales de diversas formas. Una tarea a futuro deberá ser la cuantificación de los daños que causan para establecer su importancia y el costo/beneficio de su control o manejo.

Check list of the Venezuelan millipedes species

Here we provide a checklist of millipedes described or recorded in the literature from Venezuela. The diplopod fauna is comprised of eight orders, 18 families, 54 genera, and 157 species. The millipede orders Glomerida, Chordeumatida, Julida, Siphoniulida, and Platydesmida (known elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere) are not, as of yet, reported from the Venezuelan fauna. Two widely distributed invasive species, Asiomorpha coarctata and Oxidus gracilis, were recorded from Venezuela. All species records listed here contain comprehensive citation and synonymy lists. Numerous locality data are questionable and are discussed. For most species, the supposed deposition of the type specimens is given. However, the museum and gender information is taken mostly from the literature as the type specimen themselves were not examined. An analysis of records extracted from GBIF in 2016 and in 2018 was conducted and compared to the data captured from the published taxonomic literature. The data in this checklist are summarized online at the MilliBase website.

Congregating behavior and response to resource distribution of the Green House Millipede, Oxidus gracilis

Background. Congregating behaviors, though common among many animal species, are little studied among millipedes. It is also unclear to what extent abiotic factors influence the distribution and behavior of millipedes. The species Oxidus gracilis was surveyed around several streams on the island of Mo’orea along with soil moisture, leaf litter cover, and rock cover. Experiments were designed in order to determine how an innate congregating behavior may affect their distributions. Methods. Fifteen transects were performed in the field, recording O. gracilis abundances and the three environmental factors every 1 m. Forty trials were performed using covered bins filled with soil and five fruits of the Tahitian chestnut tree (Inocarpus fagifer). Ten millipedes were placed in the box and left for an hour, after which the number of individuals per fruit was recorded. Results. It was found that while none of the three environmental factors were strong indicators of the distribution of O. gracilis , individuals did in fact demonstrate a tendency to congregate in the experimental trials. Discussion. The lack of significant relationships with the three environmental parameters suggests a generalist behavior of this millipede species, potentially benefitting its invasive nature. The congregating behavior could potentially be for the purposes of mating or defense. Although not studied in this paper, it is possible that conspecific chemical cues are responsible.

Congregating behavior and response to resource distribution of the Green House Millipede, Oxidus gracilis

Background. Congregating behaviors, though common among many animal species, are little studied among millipedes. It is also unclear to what extent abiotic factors influence the distribution and behavior of millipedes. The species Oxidus gracilis was surveyed around several streams on the island of Mo’orea along with soil moisture, leaf litter cover, and rock cover. Experiments were designed in order to determine how an innate congregating behavior may affect their distributions. Methods. Fifteen transects were performed in the field, recording O. gracilis abundances and the three environmental factors every 1 m. Forty trials were performed using covered bins filled with soil and five fruits of the Tahitian chestnut tree (Inocarpus fagifer). Ten millipedes were placed in the box and left for an hour, after which the number of individuals per fruit was recorded. Results. It was found that while none of the three environmental factors were strong indicators of the distribution of O. gracilis , individuals did in fact demonstrate a tendency to congregate in the experimental trials. Discussion. The lack of significant relationships with the three environmental parameters suggests a generalist behavior of this millipede species, potentially benefitting its invasive nature. The congregating behavior could potentially be for the purposes of mating or defense. Although not studied in this paper, it is possible that conspecific chemical cues are responsible.