Order Polyzoniida: Introduction and identification

Polyzoniida are easily distinguished from other Tasmanian millipedes by their semicircular cross-section (convex above) and 'beak-like' head. They can add leg-bearing segments as adults, and older females of one of our species (code-named 'AcuMes' below) may have as many as 300 legs.

All Tasmanian polyzoniidans are in the family Siphonotidae. Eight local species have been recognised, five of which have been named but not yet published by Dennis Black of La Trobe University. One of the unnamed three (not illustrated below) is semi-aquatic and so far known only from the Launceston area (D. Black, pers. comm.). Use the pictures of the other seven polyzoniidans (below and on pages for individual species) to make tentative identifications of the fully terrestrial species.

Polyzoniidans can be found in leaf litter, in rotting logs and under bark, logs and stones. Females brood their eggs, which is unusual behaviour in millipedes. Several of our polyzoniidans congregate in small, single-species groups.

'AcuMes' Length to 30 mm Body smooth, pale yellow with broad, dark lateral bands
'HetAus' Length to 10 mm Body smooth, pale yellow with dark paramedian bands and tan or orange sides
<'SipIns' Length to 15 mm Body smooth, near-white or pale yellow with dark median and lateral bands
'SipSex' Length to 11 mm Body lightly 'hairy', near-white or pale yellow with dark lateral bands
'SipTas' Length to 7 mm Body smooth, pale reddish-brown
siphonotid sp. E1 Length to 7 mm Body very 'hairy', white or very pale yellow
siphonotid sp. NW1 Length to 15 mm Body smooth, near-white or pale yellow with a broad, dark median band (no dark lateral bands)