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Tree-Climbing in pill-millipedes
Oecologia
|March 18, 2017
Summary
Two South African pill-millipede species in the Sphaerotherium genus exhibit arboreal behavior. These unique millipedes are reported to climb trees and consume fresh plant tissues.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Entomology
- Arthropod Biology
Background:
- The genus Sphaerotherium comprises 31 South African species of pill-millipedes.
- Pill-millipedes are known for their ability to roll into a ball for defense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document arboreal behavior in the genus Sphaerotherium.
- To identify species within Sphaerotherium that exhibit tree-climbing and herbivorous feeding habits.
Main Methods:
- Field observations and species identification within South Africa.
- Behavioral analysis focusing on locomotion and feeding.
Main Results:
- Two out of 31 Sphaerotherium species were identified as tree-climbers.
- These arboreal species were observed feeding on fresh plant tissue.
Conclusions:
- Arboreal locomotion and herbivory are present in some South African Sphaerotherium species.
- This finding expands the known ecological niche of pill-millipedes.
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