Austrostrophus `DIP054` live specimen (Photo Credit: Mark Harvey)

Austrostrophus `DIP054`

Spirobolids are a species rich order of millipedes, largely found in the north and east of the continent, in forested areas. In Western Australia they are also found in the Pilbara and likely harbour significant undescribed species diversity.
They are recognisable by a suture that runs vertically down the front of the head. In males, pairs of legs on the seventh segment are modified into gonopods. Spirobolids are smooth, cylindrical millipedes and are often colourful.

Morphology

Species are distinguished by the morphology of the male sexual structures, the gonopods.

Evolution

This genus has only a single species described from it, Austrostrophus stictopygus, found in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. However, ongoing molecular and morphological work at the WA Museum has revealed significant species diversity in this genus, and potential new genera.

Method of reproduction

Sexual

Habitat

Terrestrial

This species was found under rocks in Millstream-Chichester National Park.

Distribution

Millstream-Chichester National Park.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Myriapoda
Class: Diplopoda
Subclass: Helminthomorpha
Order: Spirobolida
Family: Trigoniulidae
Genus: Austrostrophus
Species: `DIP054`
Rank: species
Conservation Assessment: Least Concern

Net Conservation Benefits Fund

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Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/austrostrophus-dip054
Accessed 3 Sep 2023

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