Archive · 3 Jun 2025
New Millipede Species Found in India's Western Ghats
Scientists found two new types of millipedes in India's Western Ghats!
These little creatures, called Polydrepanum xiphosum and Polydrepanum spinatum, live in places like Maharashtra and Kerala.
These millipedes are like tiny clean-up crews in the forest, eating old leaves and helping the soil.
The discovery highlights the importance of protecting their homes, as many millipedes are only found in the Western Ghats.
Scientists are still learning about these millipedes and looking for more.
Sadly, things like pollution and changing land use can hurt them.
They're a crucial part of the ecosystem!
Two new millipede species, Polydrepanum xiphosum and Polydrepanum spinatum, discovered in the Western Ghats.
The millipedes belong to the genus Polydrepanum, now with six recognized species.
The discovery highlights the region's biodiversity and need for conservation of microhabitats.
Millipedes are crucial decomposers, improving soil quality and contributing to the food chain.
Threats to millipedes include soil pollution and habitat changes.
- Who
- Indian scientists
- What
- Discovered two new millipede species.
- When
- Published in Zootaxa on May 24th.
- Where
- Western Ghats (Maharashtra, Kerala)
- Why
- To highlight biodiversity and importance of conservation.
View on Millipede Conservation
View on Environmental Impact
Threats to Millipedes
View on Millipede Conservation
Scientists highlight the importance of conserving the microhabitats where millipedes live, like leaf litter and forest soil, because these environments are essential for the survival of millipedes.
View on Environmental Impact
Millipedes can be impacted by pollution, land use changes, concrete encroachment, and overuse of fertilizers and industrial waste. These activities negatively impact the microhabitats essential for their survival.
- Species Names
- Polydrepanum xiphosum, Polydrepanum spinatum
- Location
- Western Ghats (Maharashtra, Kerala)
- Genus
- Polydrepanum
- Family
- Paradoxosomatidae
- Millipede Species in India (Total)
- 270