Biology:Glomeris intermedia

Short description: Species of millipede

Glomeris intermedia
Glomeris intermedia alongside Glomeris marginata
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Myriapoda
Class:	Diplopoda
Order:	Glomerida
Family:	Glomeridae
Genus:	Glomeris
Species:	G. intermedia
Binomial name
Glomeris intermedia Latzel, 1884
Synonyms
List Glomeris connexa alpina var. tenebrosa Latzel, 1884 Glomeris europaea hexasticha var. intermedia Latzel, 1884 Glomeris hexasticha intermedia var. intermedia Latzel, 1884 Glomeris hexasticha var. intermedia Latzel, 1884 Glomeris intermedia intermedia Latzel, 1884 Glomeris intermedia intermedia var. flavolineata Verhoeff, 1908 Glomeris intermedia largesulcata (Attems, 1927) Glomeris intermedia trisulcata var. beatensis Verhoeff, 1906 Glomeris intermedia trisulcata var. gallicorum Verhoeff, 1906 Glomeris intermedia trisulcata var. largesulcata Attems, 1927 Glomeris intermedia trisulcata var. ribauti Verhoeff, 1906 Glomeris intermedia var. biguttata Verhoeff, 1891 Glomeris intermedia var. bonnensis Verhoeff, 1906 Glomeris intermedia var. pallida Verhoeff, 1891 Glomeris intermedia var. palliofera Verhoeff, 1906 Glomeris intermedia var. tenebrosa (Latztel, 1884) Glomeris intermedia var. transversosulcata Verhoeff, 1891

Glomeris intermedia, also known as the western six-striped pill millipede, is a species of pill millipede within the genus Glomeris and family Glomeridae.

Description

Glomeris intermedia exhibits a range of colours, with individuals displaying a base colour of black, brown, grey or yellow on their body. Additionally, the tergites, which are the hardened dorsal plates covering the segments of the millipede's body, bear several spots that vary in coloration from beige to red in colour. Among the spots present, the middle spot is generally the largest, although it can be smaller or even absent in some individuals. The lateral-most spot extends further forward compared to the middle spot and both spots are sharply demarcated at their anterior boundaries. Notably, the posterior edges of the segments are outlined by a narrow, lightly coloured line, creating a distinct visual pattern. Within the northern distribution range of G. intermedia, the medial row of spots are usually absent.

The final segment of Glomeris intermedia, known as the preanal tergite, exhibits two large bright spots that do not reach the edge of the segment. In males, the pre-anal tergite is slightly lobed, potentially serving as a distinguishing feature between males and females. Furthermore, the second segment, known as the breastplate, displays two to three major furrows, occasionally only one, along with the possibility of having 0 to 2 anterior furrows and 1 to 5 minor furrows.

Distribution and habitat

Glomeris intermedia is native to Western Europe, where it can be found within the countries of: Belgium, France , Germany , Luxembourg, Spain , Switzerland and the Netherlands. The species occurs in elevated forest habitats distributed on hills and mountains. The species is a detritivore, feeding on rotten wood and dead leaves. G. intermedia has a preference for acidic soils.

Subspecies

The following subspecies are recognised:

• Glomeris intermedia trisulcata Rothenbühler, 1899

References

Wikidata ☰ Q4294927 entry