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Trigoniulus corallinus
Trigoniulus corallinus, sometimes called the rusty millipede or common Asian millipede, is a species of millipede widely distributed in the Indo-Malayan region including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, Philippines, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, and much of Indonesia. It is also reported from Fiji and Tanzania, Zambia and found in South Asia and the Caribbean as an introduced species.[1][2] It has also been introduced to Florida,[3][4] and as of 2022 is well-distributed throughout South and Central Florida, with limited sightings in the Northeast and Panhandle.[5] Trigoniulus corallinus is 2-3 in at adult size, and reddish brown in color.[6] These millipedes inhabit moist areas, especially rotten wood, and compost during monsoon season.[1] The genome of T. corallinus was sequenced in 2015, the first time this has been done for a millipede.[7] Additional Information on Ecology, Behavior, and Distribution Trigoniulus corallinus has shown a new adaptability to differnt habitats, allowing it to succeed as both a native and introduced species. Native to the Indo-Malayan region, it has expanded its range to areas in South Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The millipede's introduction to Florida, was first documented in 2006 and was marked with a significant range of expansion with populations now well-established across South and Central Florida. This adaptation is joined together with its ability to make use of the decaying organic matter and particularly in disturbed environments like urban gardens and agricultural areas. This species is recognized by its reddish-brown color, cylindrical body, and ability to grow up to 2–3 inches in length. Its role as a decomposer in the ecosystem is very important, as it contributes to the breakdown of plant materials and recycling nutrients back into the soil. During the monsoon season, these millipedes are most active, inhabiting compost piles, leaf litter, and rotting wood. In addition to its ecological role, the T. corallinus has gained scientific significance for its advancements. In 2015, the complete genome of T. corallinus was prioritized, marking the first time a millipede's genome was fully decoded. This effort provided insights into the species' unique adaptations, evolutionary history, and potential biotechnological applications. Researchers have highlighted the genes linked to the millipede's exoskeleton for development and mechanisms for microbial symbiosis, highlighting on its resilience in diverse environments. Behavior and Reproductive Strategies Trigoniulus corallinus is known for its nocturnal habits and slow movement. It relies on chemical defense mechanisms, releasing a mildly toxic secretion when threatened scaring off predators. Observations have shown that the species prefers damp environments making it vulnerable to habitat modificatiosn like deforestation and urbanization. The reproductive strategy of T. corallinus involves laying eggs in moist soil, where juveniles undergo molts before adulthood. The millipede's lifecycle and survival strategies enable it to establish populations rapidly in introduced regions, often outcompeting native decomposer species. References
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