Microdecemplex
Extinct genus of millipedes
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Microdecemplex rolfei is the only known species of the extinct, small-bodied millipede order Microdecemplicida. This order was considered on its original description as a member of the extinct subclass Arthropleuridea,[1] but a 2024 study suggested it belonged instead to the subclass Chilognatha.[2] Fossils, measuring less than 5 mm in length, are known from the Panther Mountain Formation of New York State, dating to the Middle Devonian. This species apparently lacks antennae and shows sexual dimorphism in its hind legs, which may be similar in function to the telopods of male living pill-millipedes that are used to grasp females during mating.[1][3]
| Microdecemplex | |
|---|---|
| |
| Life restoration | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Myriapoda |
| Class: | Diplopoda |
| Subclass: | Chilognatha (?) |
| Order: | †Microdecemplicida Wilson & Shear, 2000[1] |
| Family: | †Microdecemplicidae Wilson & Shear, 2000 |
| Genus: | †Microdecemplex Wilson & Shear, 2000 |
| Species: | †M. rolfei |
| Binomial name | |
| †Microdecemplex rolfei Wilson & Shear, 2000 | |
