Seychelles giant millipede
Species of millipede
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Seychelles giant millipede (Sechelleptus seychellarum) is a species of millipede often over 15 cm long,[2] endemic to 14 islands within the Seychelles, with an extent of occurrence of 600 km2 (230 sq mi), and occupancy area of 37 km2 (14 sq mi).[1] The species has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.[1]
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| Seychelles giant millipede | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Myriapoda |
| Class: | Diplopoda |
| Order: | Spirostreptida |
| Family: | Spirostreptidae |
| Genus: | Sechelleptus |
| Species: | S. seychellarum |
| Binomial name | |
| Sechelleptus seychellarum (Desjardins, 1834) | |
| Synonyms | |
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The species is found to have a higher density in elevated areas with a presence of rock coverage, and uses granite rock crevices, fallen logs, and other rotting wood debris as diurnal refuges in forested habitats.[3]
The species prefers to feed on the softer freshly fallen leaf litter of native plant species including Pisonia grandis and Ficus sp.[4] The species is threatened by the introduction and spread of the non-native bamboo plant Bambusa vulgaris, whose presence is associated with lower population density within the species.[4] The leaf litter of Bambusa vulgaris can dominate the leaf litter of the native flora that the species feeds on, reducing its food resources.[4]
