BioOne.org will be down briefly for maintenance on 17 December 2024 between 18:00-22:00 Pacific Time US. We apologize for any inconvenience.
How to translate text using browser tools
8 March 2023 First Record of Native Millipede (Spirobolida: Pachybolidae) Feeding on and Possibly Pollinating Invasive Opuntia humifusa (Caryophyllales, Cactaceae) in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Moleseng C. Moshobane, Takalani Nelufule
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The nature of the relationship between millipedes and O. humifusa is still largely unknown. Here we present a report on observed interactions between invasive Opuntia humifusa with native millipede species. An observation of several individuals of a millipede species feeding on O. humifusa was made. The millipede activity was observed for 3.45 minutes and photographs were recorded. Damage to live plants parts was also noted. Over 27 millipedes were observed feeding on both decaying and live plant parts on a clump of Opuntia humifusa. This observation shows that invasive O. humifusa species are interacting with native species in multiple ways. We recommend a thorough survey of the O. humifusa populations and the surrounding areas to establish more details about this feeding behavior and whether indeed it may be furthering the spread of O. humifusa in the area.

Moleseng C. Moshobane and Takalani Nelufule "First Record of Native Millipede (Spirobolida: Pachybolidae) Feeding on and Possibly Pollinating Invasive Opuntia humifusa (Caryophyllales, Cactaceae) in Limpopo Province, South Africa," Haseltonia 29(1), 24-26, (8 March 2023). https://doi.org/10.2985/026.029.0104
Published: 8 March 2023
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top