Order SPIROSTREPTIDA Brandt, 1833
Introduction
Spirostreptida is a large order in need of revision at higher levels (Hoffman 1982). Australian species are dark-coloured, cylindrical and elongate, with the fourth body segment lacking legs. The defensive secretions of many spirostreptidans include benzoquinones (Huth 2000). Other millipedes (and other arthropods) should always be preserved separately from spirostreptidans, as benzoquinones can harden alcohol-preserved specimens and stain them a dark red.
General References
Hoffman, R.L. 1982. Diplopoda. pp. 689-724 in Parker, S.P. (ed.). Synopsis and Classification of Living Organisms. Vol. 2. New York : McGraw-Hill.
Huth, A. 2000. Defensive secretions of millipedes: more than just a product of melting point decrease? pp. 191-200 in Wytwer, J. & Golovatch, S. Progress in Studies on Myriapoda and Onychophora. Fragmenta Faunistica (Warsaw) 43(Supplement 2000): i-xiii, 1-395
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05-Mar-2012 | 05-Mar-2012 | MODIFIED | ||
| 05-Mar-2012 | 12-May-2010 | ADDED | ||
| 12-Feb-2010 | (import) |