Biology:Trachysphaera lobata

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Short description: Species of millipede

Trachysphaera lobata
Trachysphaera Rascle 2.jpg
Trachysphaera lobata 4 d.png
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Myriapoda
Class: Diplopoda
Order: Glomerida
Family: Glomeridae
Genus: Trachysphaera
Species:
T. lobata
Binomial name
Trachysphaera lobata
(Ribaut, 1954)

Trachysphaera lobata, also known as the sand pill millipede,[1] is a species of pill millipede within the genus Trachysphaera and family Glomeridae.[2]

Description

Trachysphaera lobata is a small pill millipede species which can roll into a ball of up to 3 mm in diameter.[3] Each body segments posterior margin has a raised ridge which is adorned with rows of tubercles.[3] T. lobata has been recorded to reach lengths up to 4.1 mm long and a width of 1.9 mm wide.[4] Individuals possess 17 pairs of legs.[4] Eyes consist of a row of 4 or 5 ocelli.[3] Young T. lobata are white, however adult are brown in colour.[4]

Distribution

Trachysphaera lobata is present within the United Kingdom where populations exist in Cornwall, the Isle of Wight and South Wales.[5] It can also be found in France [5] where populations have been found in the western side of the country.[3]

Habitat

Trachysphaera lobata can be found in woodlands inside soil, leaf litter and dead wood.[3] Preferred soils are sandy and humus rich where the millipede can be found at depths of 15 cm.[3] In France T. lobata is found in a variety of calcareous sites ranging from woodlands, caves and quarries.[3]

References

Wikidata ☰ Q50407326 entry