Stemmiulida is an order of millipedes consisting of approximately 130 species, reaching up to 50 mm in length. It contains a single family, Stemmiulidae.
Description
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]
Classification
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]
^ abRiquelme, F.; Alvarado-Ortega, J.; Ramos-Arias, M.; Hernández, M.; Dez, I.; Lee-Whiting, T. A.; Ruvalcaba-Sil, J. L. (2013). "A fossil stemmiulid millipede (Diplopoda: Stemmiulida) from the Miocene amber of Simojovel, Chiapas, México". Historical Biology. 26 (4): 1–13. doi:10.1080/08912963.2013.778843. S2CID85299484.
^Sierwald, Petra; Bond, Jason E. (2007). "Current Status of the Myriapod Class Diplopoda (Millipedes): Taxonomic Diversity and Phylogeny". Annual Review of Entomology. 52 (1): 401–420. doi:10.1146/annurev.ento.52.111805.090210. PMID17163800.