Identification of Dasystigma species is based on details of the male gonopods and on the appearance and spacing of the spiracles. For complete diagnostic descriptions, see Mesibov (2003c). In the image at right, the gonopods of D. huonense are shown in the same orientation as those of Gasterogramma species on the Gasterogramma identification page (scale bar = 0.5 mm). The key gonopod components to examine are the outermost femoral process (f) and the tall, more central prefemoral process (p).
 
In each of the spiracle closeups below, the head of the millipede is to the right and the scale bar = 0.25 mm.
 
Another clue to identity is the shape of the tergite margins, as illustrated at right. Shown are right margins of tergite 14 of (A) D. bonhami; (B) D. huonense; (C) D.margaretae, most of range; (D) D. margaretae, Derwent valley; (E) D. tyleri.

Dasystigma bonhami Mesibov, 2003
 
Femoral process tall, narrow, with a large inward-pointing spike. Spiracles (A) close together over anterior leg, 'hairy' under low magnification.
 
Relatively common in dry and wet eucalypt forest in southeast Tasmania from ca. 100-600 m elevation.

Distribution map

Dasystigma huonense Mesibov, 2003
 
Outer edge of prefemoral process distinctly S-shaped. Spiracles (B) further apart than in D. bonhami and D. margaretae, less 'hairy' under low magnification.
 
Wet eucalypt forest and rainforest in southern Tasmania from near sea level to ca. 700 m elevation.

Distribution map

Dasystigma margaretae (Jeekel, 1984)
 
Femoral process broad, divided into marginally toothed anterior portion and posterior spike, the spike crossing below the anterior portion like a thumb bent slightly towards the palm. Spiracles (C) close together over anterior leg, very 'hairy' under low magnification.
 
Relatively common in dry and wet eucalypt forest and in subalpine woodland in eastern and central Tasmania from ca. 100-1100 m elevation.

Distribution map

Dasystigma tyleri Mesibov, 2003
 
Femoral process broad, divided into marginally toothed anterior portion and posterior spike, the spike longer than the anterior portion and not bent over. Spiracles (E) well-separated, not 'hairy' under low magnification.
 
An uncommon species in rainforest and wet eucalypt forest in western Tasmania, from ca. 50-1000 m elevation.

Distribution map