Doratogonus rugifrons

Doratogonus rugifrons

Doratogonus is a genus of millipedes in family Spirostreptidae. They are relatively large, at 80–200 millimetres (3–8 in) long, relatively common, and distributed across Southern Africa.[1] Many of the species are listed on the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction. The most widespread and common species of the genus in South Africa. This species does appear to tolerate some transformation of the habitat and has been found in suburban areas. Much of the range of this species falls within protected areas. (IUCN Red List).
Millepede - too many legs! This was quite an odd occurrence. There are many, many of these millepedes around at the moment but for the first time I saw two intertwined together, reproducing I thought. Then came along a third and this sculpture type thing happened, then they all went on their way! Millipedes are part of the invertebrate decomposer community. In southern Africa, they consume up to 39% of the litter standing crop and accelerate nutrient availability for plants. Doratogonus rugifrons,Doratoonus,Geotagged,Millepedes,South Africa,Spirostreptidae,Spring

Appearance

80-200mm dark brown to black

Naming

Attems 1922

Distribution

South Africa,Botswana,Namibia,Zimbabwe

Status

Least Concern

Habitat

Terrestrial
Millipedes are part of the invertebrate decomposer community. In southern Africa, they consume up to 39% of the litter standing crop and accelerate nutrient availability for plants (Dangerfield& Milner 1996). A reduction in accessible litter due to, for example, monoculturesand urbanisation, has already led to a reduction in millipede abundance and diversity(Hamer 1997; Mwabvu 1997; Hamer & Slotow 2002). The inclusion of millipedes in eco
logical and soil ecosystem research is therefore important,

Food

lant debris

Defense

Curl up into a spiral to protect their vulnerable underside. Upper body covered in scales like armour

References:

Some text fragments are auto parsed from Wikipedia.

http://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/99525-Doratogonus-rugifrons
http://www.gbif.org/species/5791486
http://eol.org/pages/7223776/overview
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/59688/0
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassDiplopoda
OrderSpirostreptida
FamilySpirostreptidae
GenusDoratogonus
SpeciesDoratogonus rugifrons
Photographed in
South Africa