In the dense and remote Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania, researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) have identified five eerie-looking millipede species, with one belonging to an entirely unfamiliar critter group. These newly discovered species, reminiscent of creatures from a science fiction film, were observed amidst the forest litter.
The findings of the study, titled "A mountain of millipedes XI. The trachystreptoform spirostreptids of the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae)," have been detailed in a recent publication in the European Journal of Taxonomy.
Star Wars-Like Millipedes in Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains
Professor Andy Marshall and Ph.D. student Alain Ngute from UniSC's Forests Research Institute made a fascinating discovery of millipedes resembling Star Wars characters in Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains.
The study is part of the Forest Restoration and Climate Change Experiment, which aims to shed light on the role of vines in forest recovery-whether they act as protective bandages or harmful 'parasitoids.'
The millipedes, with approximately 200 legs each, are indicators of forest health, and their significance emerged during assessments by myriapodologists. This discovery, along with previous finds by Marshall, underscores the immense potential for further exploration in tropical forests.
The research, part of a global collaboration, suggests that rising temperatures contribute to woody vines proliferating in forests already disturbed by logging. Despite their modest size, the millipedes play a crucial role in understanding forest dynamics, reflecting the intricate ecological balance in these environments.
Marshall emphasizes that this discovery adds to the plethora of unknowns in tropical forests, building on his track record of finding new species, from chameleons to endangered trees.
One of the newly identified millipede species, Lophostreptus magombera, pays homage to the Magombera Nature Reserve, a biologically unique forest Marshall has been dedicated to conserving. The specimens are now housed in Denmark's Natural History Museum at the University of Copenhagen.
The new genus, Udzungwastreptus, and the five species-Lophostreptus magombera, Attemsostreptus cataractae, Attemsostreptus leptoptilos, Attemsostreptus julostriatus, and Udzungwastreptus marianae-contribute to the ever-growing body of knowledge about the biodiversity within tropical ecosystems.
Millipede Discoveries and Their Role in Forest Ecology
Millipedes, classified as diplopods, differ from insects due to their elongated bodies and numerous legs. Contrary to the name "millipede," translating to "thousand feet," no species exceeded 1,000 legs until 2020 when Eumillipes persephone was discovered with up to 1,300 legs.
Although approximately 12,000 millipede species are known globally, estimates range from 15,000 to as high as 80,000, revealing the potential for undiscovered diversity. The largest millipede species, found in Africa, can reach 13.8 inches, but the newly identified species from Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains are smaller, measuring about an inch with around 200 legs each.
These discoveries unfolded during an expedition investigating the impact of logging and disturbances on the local forests, examining how woody vines may thrive due to rising temperatures. Professor Andy Marshall emphasizes that these millipedes will contribute to understanding the role of vines in forest recovery, exploring whether they act as protective bandages or harmful 'parasitoids.' The revelation of a new millipede genus and species underscores the extensive uncharted territory within tropical forests, showcasing the potential for further exploration and discovery.
RELATED ARTICLE: 1,300-Legged Millipede Discovered in Australia; Study Reveals New Species is a Record Breaker
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