Diplopoda - Revision history

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← Older revision		Revision as of 09:32, 9 May 2025
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	== Ecological Functions ==		== Ecological Functions ==

	Diplopods play an important role in [[decomposition]], as they are capable of fragmenting large dead plant materials, making them bioavailable for microbiota and therefore stimulating [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]]. They are very important in boreal coniferous forests, as they have been found to consume up to 36% of the annual conifer litter in these regions<ref name="Sierwald"></ref>. Millipedes are also big contributors to the nutrient cycling of calcium, as research shows they process 15–20% of the calcium input into hardwood forest floors<ref name="Coleman"></ref>. Their burrowing also helps loosen and aerate the soil, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem<ref name="Ohio"></ref>.		Diplopods play an important role in [[decomposition]], as they are capable of fragmenting large dead plant materials, making them bioavailable for microbiota and therefore stimulating [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]]. They are very important in boreal coniferous forests, as they have been found to consume up to 36% of the annual conifer litter in these regions<ref name="Sierwald"></ref>. Millipedes are also big contributors to the [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]] of calcium, as research shows they process 15–20% of the calcium input into hardwood forest floors<ref name="Coleman"></ref>. Their burrowing also helps loosen and aerate the soil, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem<ref name="Ohio"></ref>.
	</br></br>		</br></br>
	Millipedes serve as hosts to many parasites and [[mites]]; however, most mite interactions are examples of commensalism. Some mites and millipedes even have symbiotic relationships, where mites keep the bodies of millipedes clean and receive protection from predators in return<ref name="Symbiotic">Giant Millipedes. (2020). Millipede Health Problems. https://www.giantmillipedes.com/millipede-health-problems#:~:text=One%20thing%20you%20may%20notice,of%20things%20you%20could%20try.</ref>.		Millipedes serve as hosts to many parasites and [[mites]]; however, most mite interactions are examples of commensalism. Some mites and millipedes even have symbiotic relationships, where mites keep the bodies of millipedes clean and receive protection from predators in return<ref name="Symbiotic">Giant Millipedes. (2020). Millipede Health Problems. https://www.giantmillipedes.com/millipede-health-problems#:~:text=One%20thing%20you%20may%20notice,of%20things%20you%20could%20try.</ref>.

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2025-05-02T19:16:49Z

The LinkTitles extension automatically added links to existing pages (https://github.com/bovender/LinkTitles).

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:16, 2 May 2025
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	\|-		\|-
	!style="min-width:6em; \|Phylum:		!style="min-width:6em; \|Phylum:
	\|style="min-width:6em; \|Arthropoda		\|style="min-width:6em; \|[[Arthropoda]]
	\|-		\|-
	!style="min-width:6em; \|Subphylum:		!style="min-width:6em; \|Subphylum:

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2025-05-01T18:44:46Z

The LinkTitles extension automatically added links to existing pages (https://github.com/bovender/LinkTitles).

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:44, 1 May 2025
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	== Distribution ==		== Distribution ==

	Millipedes are found in every continent except for Antarctica in a wide variety of habitats. They are particularly abundant in calcium-rich areas with high rainfall, particularly tropical and temperate forests. On average, tropical species are larger than temperate species. Some species spend their whole lives in the soil, while others reside in the leaf litter or other cryptozoic habitats like under rocks or decomposing tree bark. Some species are arboreal, meaning that they live on trees and branches, and these species are typically found in humid environments. Despite being vulnerable to desiccation, millipedes can also be found in arid climates, where they become active after rains and seek refuge by burrowing under vegetation or debris<ref name="Coleman"></ref><ref name="Sierwald"></ref>.		Millipedes are found in every continent except for Antarctica in a wide variety of habitats. They are particularly abundant in calcium-rich areas with high rainfall, particularly tropical and temperate forests. On average, tropical species are larger than temperate species. Some species spend their whole lives in the soil, while others reside in the leaf litter or other cryptozoic habitats like under rocks or [[decomposing]] tree bark. Some species are arboreal, meaning that they live on trees and branches, and these species are typically found in humid environments. Despite being vulnerable to desiccation, millipedes can also be found in arid climates, where they become active after rains and seek refuge by burrowing under vegetation or debris<ref name="Coleman"></ref><ref name="Sierwald"></ref>.

	== Ecological Functions ==		== Ecological Functions ==

Miltonsv: /* Ecological Functions */

2025-04-03T23:05:56Z

Ecological Functions

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:05, 3 April 2025
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	Diplopods play an important role in [[decomposition]], as they are capable of fragmenting large dead plant materials, making them bioavailable for microbiota and therefore stimulating [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]]. They are very important in boreal coniferous forests, as they have been found to consume up to 36% of the annual conifer litter in these regions<ref name="Sierwald"></ref>. Millipedes are also big contributors to the nutrient cycling of calcium, as research shows they process 15–20% of the calcium input into hardwood forest floors<ref name="Coleman"></ref>. Their burrowing also helps loosen and aerate the soil, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem<ref name="Ohio"></ref>.		Diplopods play an important role in [[decomposition]], as they are capable of fragmenting large dead plant materials, making them bioavailable for microbiota and therefore stimulating [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]]. They are very important in boreal coniferous forests, as they have been found to consume up to 36% of the annual conifer litter in these regions<ref name="Sierwald"></ref>. Millipedes are also big contributors to the nutrient cycling of calcium, as research shows they process 15–20% of the calcium input into hardwood forest floors<ref name="Coleman"></ref>. Their burrowing also helps loosen and aerate the soil, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem<ref name="Ohio"></ref>.
	</br></br>		</br></br>
	Millipedes serve as hosts to many parasites and [[mites]]; however, most mite interactions are examples of commensalism. Some mites and millipedes even have symbiotic relationships, ~~with~~ mites ~~keeping~~ the bodies of millipedes clean and ~~receiving~~ protection from predators in return<ref name="Symbiotic">Giant Millipedes. (2020). Millipede Health Problems. https://www.giantmillipedes.com/millipede-health-problems#:~:text=One%20thing%20you%20may%20notice,of%20things%20you%20could%20try.</ref>.		Millipedes serve as hosts to many parasites and [[mites]]; however, most mite interactions are examples of commensalism. Some mites and millipedes even have symbiotic relationships, where mites keep the bodies of millipedes clean and receive protection from predators in return<ref name="Symbiotic">Giant Millipedes. (2020). Millipede Health Problems. https://www.giantmillipedes.com/millipede-health-problems#:~:text=One%20thing%20you%20may%20notice,of%20things%20you%20could%20try.</ref>.
	</br></br>		</br></br>
	Millipedes are not crop pests, but they may carry mites or diseases that could be harmful to crops if introduced into non-native habitats. They are not harmful to humans and do not transmit diseases to humans; however, their chemical secretions may cause blisters and are potentially toxic to pests. They do not cause harm to buildings and are considered more of a nuisance pest<ref name="Pest">Rottler. n.d. Millipede. https://www.rottler.com/pests/occasional-invaders/millipede/</ref>.		Millipedes are not crop pests, but they may carry mites or diseases that could be harmful to crops if introduced into non-native habitats. They are not harmful to humans and do not transmit diseases to humans; however, their chemical secretions may cause blisters and are potentially toxic to pests. They do not cause harm to buildings and are considered more of a nuisance pest<ref name="Pest">Rottler. n.d. Millipede. https://www.rottler.com/pests/occasional-invaders/millipede/</ref>.

	== References ==		== References ==

Miltonsv: /* Ecological Functions */

2025-04-03T23:05:00Z

Ecological Functions

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:05, 3 April 2025
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	Diplopods play an important role in [[decomposition]], as they are capable of fragmenting large dead plant materials, making them bioavailable for microbiota and therefore stimulating [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]]. They are very important in boreal coniferous forests, as they have been found to consume up to 36% of the annual conifer litter in these regions<ref name="Sierwald"></ref>. Millipedes are also big contributors to the nutrient cycling of calcium, as research shows they process 15–20% of the calcium input into hardwood forest floors<ref name="Coleman"></ref>. Their burrowing also helps loosen and aerate the soil, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem<ref name="Ohio"></ref>.		Diplopods play an important role in [[decomposition]], as they are capable of fragmenting large dead plant materials, making them bioavailable for microbiota and therefore stimulating [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]]. They are very important in boreal coniferous forests, as they have been found to consume up to 36% of the annual conifer litter in these regions<ref name="Sierwald"></ref>. Millipedes are also big contributors to the nutrient cycling of calcium, as research shows they process 15–20% of the calcium input into hardwood forest floors<ref name="Coleman"></ref>. Their burrowing also helps loosen and aerate the soil, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem<ref name="Ohio"></ref>.
	</br></br>		</br></br>
	Millipedes serve as hosts to many parasites and mites; however, most mite interactions are examples of commensalism. Some mites and millipedes even have symbiotic relationships, with mites keeping the bodies of millipedes clean and receiving protection from predators in return<ref name="Symbiotic">Giant Millipedes. (2020). Millipede Health Problems. https://www.giantmillipedes.com/millipede-health-problems#:~:text=One%20thing%20you%20may%20notice,of%20things%20you%20could%20try.</ref>.		Millipedes serve as hosts to many parasites and [[mites]]; however, most mite interactions are examples of commensalism. Some mites and millipedes even have symbiotic relationships, with mites keeping the bodies of millipedes clean and receiving protection from predators in return<ref name="Symbiotic">Giant Millipedes. (2020). Millipede Health Problems. https://www.giantmillipedes.com/millipede-health-problems#:~:text=One%20thing%20you%20may%20notice,of%20things%20you%20could%20try.</ref>.
	</br></br>		</br></br>
	Millipedes are not crop pests, but they may carry mites or diseases that could be harmful to crops if introduced into non-native habitats. They are not harmful to humans and do not transmit diseases to humans; however, their chemical secretions may cause blisters and are potentially toxic to pests. They do not cause harm to buildings and are considered more of a nuisance pest<ref name="Pest">Rottler. n.d. Millipede. https://www.rottler.com/pests/occasional-invaders/millipede/</ref>.		Millipedes are not crop pests, but they may carry mites or diseases that could be harmful to crops if introduced into non-native habitats. They are not harmful to humans and do not transmit diseases to humans; however, their chemical secretions may cause blisters and are potentially toxic to pests. They do not cause harm to buildings and are considered more of a nuisance pest<ref name="Pest">Rottler. n.d. Millipede. https://www.rottler.com/pests/occasional-invaders/millipede/</ref>.

	== References ==		== References ==

Miltonsv: /* Ecological Functions */

2025-04-03T23:03:39Z

Ecological Functions

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:03, 3 April 2025
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	== Ecological Functions ==		== Ecological Functions ==

	Diplopods play an important role in [[decomposition]], as they are capable of fragmenting large dead plant materials, making them bioavailable for microbiota and therefore stimulating [[nutrient cycling]]. They are very important in boreal coniferous forests, as they have been found to consume up to 36% of the annual conifer litter in these regions<ref name="Sierwald"></ref>. Millipedes are also big contributors to the nutrient cycling of calcium, as research shows they process 15–20% of the calcium input into hardwood forest floors<ref name="Coleman"></ref>. Their burrowing also helps loosen and aerate the soil, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem<ref name="Ohio"></ref>.		Diplopods play an important role in [[decomposition]], as they are capable of fragmenting large dead plant materials, making them bioavailable for microbiota and therefore stimulating [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]]. They are very important in boreal coniferous forests, as they have been found to consume up to 36% of the annual conifer litter in these regions<ref name="Sierwald"></ref>. Millipedes are also big contributors to the nutrient cycling of calcium, as research shows they process 15–20% of the calcium input into hardwood forest floors<ref name="Coleman"></ref>. Their burrowing also helps loosen and aerate the soil, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem<ref name="Ohio"></ref>.
	</br></br>		</br></br>
	Millipedes serve as hosts to many parasites and mites; however, most mite interactions are examples of commensalism. Some mites and millipedes even have symbiotic relationships, with mites keeping the bodies of millipedes clean and receiving protection from predators in return<ref name="Symbiotic">Giant Millipedes. (2020). Millipede Health Problems. https://www.giantmillipedes.com/millipede-health-problems#:~:text=One%20thing%20you%20may%20notice,of%20things%20you%20could%20try.</ref>.		Millipedes serve as hosts to many parasites and mites; however, most mite interactions are examples of commensalism. Some mites and millipedes even have symbiotic relationships, with mites keeping the bodies of millipedes clean and receiving protection from predators in return<ref name="Symbiotic">Giant Millipedes. (2020). Millipede Health Problems. https://www.giantmillipedes.com/millipede-health-problems#:~:text=One%20thing%20you%20may%20notice,of%20things%20you%20could%20try.</ref>.

Miltonsv: /* Ecological Functions */

2025-04-03T23:03:09Z

Ecological Functions

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:03, 3 April 2025
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	== Ecological Functions ==		== Ecological Functions ==

	Diplopods play an important role in [[decomposition]], as they are capable of fragmenting large dead plant materials, making them bioavailable for microbiota and therefore stimulating nutrient cycling. They are very important in boreal coniferous forests, as they have been found to consume up to 36% of the annual conifer litter in these regions<ref name="Sierwald"></ref>. Millipedes are also big contributors to the nutrient cycling of calcium, as research shows they process 15–20% of the calcium input into hardwood forest floors<ref name="Coleman"></ref>. Their burrowing also helps loosen and aerate the soil, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem<ref name="Ohio"></ref>.		Diplopods play an important role in [[decomposition]], as they are capable of fragmenting large dead plant materials, making them bioavailable for microbiota and therefore stimulating [[nutrient cycling]]. They are very important in boreal coniferous forests, as they have been found to consume up to 36% of the annual conifer litter in these regions<ref name="Sierwald"></ref>. Millipedes are also big contributors to the nutrient cycling of calcium, as research shows they process 15–20% of the calcium input into hardwood forest floors<ref name="Coleman"></ref>. Their burrowing also helps loosen and aerate the soil, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem<ref name="Ohio"></ref>.
	</br></br>		</br></br>
	Millipedes serve as hosts to many parasites and mites; however, most mite interactions are examples of commensalism. Some mites and millipedes even have symbiotic relationships, with mites keeping the bodies of millipedes clean and receiving protection from predators in return<ref name="Symbiotic">Giant Millipedes. (2020). Millipede Health Problems. https://www.giantmillipedes.com/millipede-health-problems#:~:text=One%20thing%20you%20may%20notice,of%20things%20you%20could%20try.</ref>.		Millipedes serve as hosts to many parasites and mites; however, most mite interactions are examples of commensalism. Some mites and millipedes even have symbiotic relationships, with mites keeping the bodies of millipedes clean and receiving protection from predators in return<ref name="Symbiotic">Giant Millipedes. (2020). Millipede Health Problems. https://www.giantmillipedes.com/millipede-health-problems#:~:text=One%20thing%20you%20may%20notice,of%20things%20you%20could%20try.</ref>.

Miltonsv: /* Ecological Functions */

2025-04-03T23:02:42Z

Ecological Functions

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:02, 3 April 2025
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	== Ecological Functions ==		== Ecological Functions ==

	Diplopods play an important role in decomposition, as they are capable of fragmenting large dead plant materials, making them bioavailable for microbiota and therefore stimulating nutrient cycling. They are very important in boreal coniferous forests, as they have been found to consume up to 36% of the annual conifer litter in these regions<ref name="Sierwald"></ref>. Millipedes are also big contributors to the nutrient cycling of calcium, as research shows they process 15–20% of the calcium input into hardwood forest floors<ref name="Coleman"></ref>. Their burrowing also helps loosen and aerate the soil, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem<ref name="Ohio"></ref>.		Diplopods play an important role in [[decomposition]], as they are capable of fragmenting large dead plant materials, making them bioavailable for microbiota and therefore stimulating nutrient cycling. They are very important in boreal coniferous forests, as they have been found to consume up to 36% of the annual conifer litter in these regions<ref name="Sierwald"></ref>. Millipedes are also big contributors to the nutrient cycling of calcium, as research shows they process 15–20% of the calcium input into hardwood forest floors<ref name="Coleman"></ref>. Their burrowing also helps loosen and aerate the soil, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem<ref name="Ohio"></ref>.
	</br></br>		</br></br>
	Millipedes serve as hosts to many parasites and mites; however, most mite interactions are examples of commensalism. Some mites and millipedes even have symbiotic relationships, with mites keeping the bodies of millipedes clean and receiving protection from predators in return<ref name="Symbiotic">Giant Millipedes. (2020). Millipede Health Problems. https://www.giantmillipedes.com/millipede-health-problems#:~:text=One%20thing%20you%20may%20notice,of%20things%20you%20could%20try.</ref>.		Millipedes serve as hosts to many parasites and mites; however, most mite interactions are examples of commensalism. Some mites and millipedes even have symbiotic relationships, with mites keeping the bodies of millipedes clean and receiving protection from predators in return<ref name="Symbiotic">Giant Millipedes. (2020). Millipede Health Problems. https://www.giantmillipedes.com/millipede-health-problems#:~:text=One%20thing%20you%20may%20notice,of%20things%20you%20could%20try.</ref>.

Miltonsv: /* Diet and Feeding Behaviors */

2025-04-03T23:00:13Z

Diet and Feeding Behaviors

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	== Diet and Feeding Behaviors ==		== Diet and Feeding Behaviors ==

	Millipedes are primarily [[detritivores]], consuming dead organic plant matter. They are selective feeders, choosing to feed on leaf litter with higher calcium contents and avoiding freshly fallen leaves or leaves with high polyphenol contents. Some species feed on live plants, and species with modified sucking mouth parts may consume plant sap, accumulating alkaloids in their tissues which may be used to produce their defensive secretions. Various species also eat fungi, algae, and lichen. Some diplopods are obligate [[coprophagia\|coprophages]], meaning they must eat their own feces. This may be due to the close relationship millipedes have with the microbiota within their guts that are necessary for the breakdown of cellulose and [[lignin]]<ref name="Coleman"></ref><ref name="Sierwald"></ref>.		Millipedes are primarily [[detritivores]], consuming dead organic plant matter. They are selective feeders, choosing to feed on leaf litter with higher calcium contents and avoiding freshly fallen leaves or leaves with high polyphenol contents. Some species feed on live plants, and species with modified sucking mouth parts may consume plant sap, accumulating alkaloids in their tissues which may be used to produce their defensive secretions. Various species also eat fungi, [[algae]], and [[lichen]]. Some diplopods are obligate [[coprophagia\|coprophages]], meaning they must eat their own feces. This may be due to the close relationship millipedes have with the microbiota within their guts that are necessary for the breakdown of cellulose and [[lignin]]<ref name="Coleman"></ref><ref name="Sierwald"></ref>.

	[[File:Mites.jpg\|351px\|right\|thumb\|Symbiotic ''Julolaelaps gigas'' mites on ''Archispirostreptus gigas''<ref name="Reddit">sofkeya. (2023). what are these little bugs on my millipedes and how can i get rid of them?[Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/millipedes/comments/14dnxn2/what_are_these_little_bugs_on_my_millipedes_and/</ref>]]		[[File:Mites.jpg\|351px\|right\|thumb\|Symbiotic ''Julolaelaps gigas'' mites on ''Archispirostreptus gigas''<ref name="Reddit">sofkeya. (2023). what are these little bugs on my millipedes and how can i get rid of them?[Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/millipedes/comments/14dnxn2/what_are_these_little_bugs_on_my_millipedes_and/</ref>]]

Miltonsv: /* Reproduction and Life Cycle */

2025-04-03T22:57:21Z

Reproduction and Life Cycle

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:57, 3 April 2025
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	== Reproduction and Life Cycle ==		== Reproduction and Life Cycle ==

	Male millipedes have sex organs, called gonopods, on their seventh body segment. The eighth leg pair is modified to transfer a sperm packet called a spermatophore to the vulva of a female millipede, which is located behind the second pair of legs. During mating, males will crawl onto the backs of females and stimulate them with their legs while producing a calming sound. If the female is uninterested, she will coil up to prevent the male from depositing his spermatophore. Gravid females burrow into warm soil, where they lay eggs and encapsulate them in their feces. The number of eggs per brood varies across species, ranging from tens to hundreds of eggs. Nymphs hatch from the eggs and usually have six body segments and three pairs of legs. As they outgrow their exoskeletons, they will retreat to a sheltered area to molt. Some species will burrow underground or build molting chambers out of dirt, while other species can produce silk and spin a web around themselves<ref name="Ohio"></ref>. Millipedes exhibit amorphic development, meaning that they grow more body segments each with a pair of legs after every molt. They will often eat their exoskeletons after they molt to recycle nutrients like calcium or protein. Millipedes ~~can~~ live ~~for up to 10~~ years depending on the species<ref name="Tohono"></ref>.		Male millipedes have sex organs, called gonopods, on their seventh body segment. The eighth leg pair is modified to transfer a sperm packet called a spermatophore to the vulva of a female millipede, which is located behind the second pair of legs. During mating, males will crawl onto the backs of females and stimulate them with their legs while producing a calming sound. If the female is uninterested, she will coil up to prevent the male from depositing his spermatophore. Gravid females burrow into warm soil, where they lay eggs and encapsulate them in their feces. The number of eggs per brood varies across species, ranging from tens to hundreds of eggs. Nymphs hatch from the eggs and usually have six body segments and three pairs of legs. As they outgrow their exoskeletons, they will retreat to a sheltered area to molt. Some species will burrow underground or build molting chambers out of dirt, while other species can produce silk and spin a web around themselves<ref name="Ohio"></ref>. Millipedes exhibit amorphic development, meaning that they grow more body segments each with a pair of legs after every molt. They will often eat their exoskeletons after they molt to recycle nutrients like calcium or protein. Millipedes typically live 2–10 years depending on the species<ref name="Tohono"></ref>.

	== Diet and Feeding Behaviors ==		== Diet and Feeding Behaviors ==