From the depths: Heterocaucaseuma deprofundum sp. nov., the world's deepest-occurring millipede (Diplopoda, Chordeumatida, Anthroleucosomatidae) from caves in the western Caucasus

Researchers have identified the world's deepest-occurring millipede, Heterocaucaseuma deprofundum sp. nov., from the Krubera-Voronja and Sarma caves in Abkhazia, western Caucasus. This new species, belonging to the family Anthroleucosomatidae, not only represents one of the largest known chordeumatidans but also extends the vertical distribution record for millipedes. The study provides taxonomic insights into its relationships within the Caucaseuma complex and the genus Heterocaucaseuma, along with new faunistic records for three other species in the same genus. Additionally, it updates ecological data on the subterranean community of Krubera-Voronja Cave and discusses troglomorphy (adaptations to cave life) in the genus. The presence of ectoparasitic fungi from the order Laboulbeniales is also noted.

ANTIĆ, D. Ž., TURBANOV, I. S., & REBOLEIRA, A. S. P. S. (2018). From the depths: Heterocaucaseuma deprofundum sp. nov., the world’s deepest-occurring millipede (Diplopoda, Chordeumatida, Anthroleucosomatidae) from caves in the western Caucasus. Zootaxa, 4377(1). https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4377.1.7