In the sprawling parks of Los Angeles and Orange counties, a remarkable discovery has surfaced, revealing a fascinating addition to the world of invertebrates.
Meet the Los Angeles thread millipede (Illacme socal), an extraordinary creature with 486 legs and a formidable, Predator-style head.
Despite its impressive features, this newfound species has been a well-kept secret, hiding in plain sight beneath the soil until now.
This minuscule marvel, resembling a thin mechanical pencil lead in width and a sewing pin in length, came to light when naturalists Cedric Lee and James Bailey stumbled upon it in April 2018 at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park.
After sharing their finding on the citizen science app iNaturalist, it didn’t take long for entomologist Paul E.
Marek of Virginia Tech to take notice and embark on a journey to Los Angeles to witness this elusive creature himself.
Millipedes: Guardians of the Forests
Millipedes, distinct from insects, belong to the arthropod family and are more closely related to lobsters and crayfish.
The Los Angeles thread, like others of its genus, moves at a leisurely pace, bearing an uncanny resemblance to plant root hairs.
Marek and his wife carefully collected some specimens, preserving them in plastic vials for examination back in his Virginia lab.
Subsequent DNA analysis and scrutiny of the millipede’s physical features confirmed the discovery of a new species.
Beyond its uniqueness, the Los Angeles thread millipede plays a vital role in the ecosystem.
Detritovores by nature, these little garbagemen of the forest play an essential yet often overlooked role in breaking down dead plant matter, enriching the soil with nutrients vital for future growth.
As one of the earliest land-based creatures to breathe atmospheric oxygen, millipedes have existed on Earth since time immemorial.
Unveiling the Hidden Kingdom
This revelation underscores the vastness of the undiscovered kingdom of small animals that form the foundation of the world’s ecosystems.
In the face of urbanization, it serves as a poignant reminder to preserve open green spaces and natural habitats that harbor these unique creatures, often right below our feet.
Derek Hennen, an entomologist from the Virginia Museum of Natural History, emphasizes the importance of safeguarding these spaces to uncover the hidden gems of nature.
Even in highly urbanized regions like Los Angeles, where exploration might be limited, new species continue to emerge, offering hope and appreciation for the diverse lifeforms coexisting with us.
Biodiversity: A Precious Heritage at Risk
Entomologists express concern that many of these delicate species remain vulnerable to habitat loss and destruction.
The Los Angeles thread millipede, like countless other unheralded inhabitants of our ecosystem, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility and significance of even the smallest components of nature.
Despite their lack of stings or bites, these creatures have developed chemical defenses that repel potential predators, allowing them to thrive.
As Brian Brown, curator of entomology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, aptly puts it, this newfound species is both a celebration of the wonders that lie around us and a stark reminder of the potential loss if we fail to preserve their habitats.
Protecting the biodiversity of our planet is not only essential for ecological balance but also ensures the continued survival and well-being of humanity.
In the grand tapestry of life, each thread, no matter how seemingly insignificant, weaves an intricate pattern that sustains the delicate balance of nature.
Let the discovery of the Los Angeles thread millipede be a call to action, urging us to cherish and safeguard the extraordinary variety of life that surrounds us, one minuscule marvel at a time.
FAQs
The Los Angeles thread millipede (Illacme socal) is a unique species of millipede with 486 legs and a distinctive, Predator-style head. It was first spotted in April 2018 at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Los Angeles County by naturalists Cedric Lee and James Bailey. The discovery was then shared on the citizen science app iNaturalist, where entomologist Paul E. Marek of Virginia Tech noticed it and traveled to Los Angeles to investigate further.
The Los Angeles thread millipede stands out due to its minute size, resembling a thin mechanical pencil lead in width and a sewing pin in length. Despite its unassuming appearance, it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as a detritovore, breaking down dead plant matter and enriching the soil with essential nutrients.
The discovery of the Los Angeles thread millipede sheds light on the vast kingdom of small animals that form the base of the world’s ecosystems. It emphasizes the need to preserve open green spaces and natural habitats in urbanized environments to protect and understand the wealth of biodiversity that thrives right beneath our feet.
Millipedes, including the Los Angeles thread, play a vital ecological role by helping to decompose dead plant matter. As detritovores, they consume organic debris and excrete nutrients that enrich the soil, facilitating the growth of future plant life. Their activities are essential for maintaining the health and balance of forest ecosystems.
Millipedes are generally harmless to humans, as they do not sting or bite. However, they possess chemical defenses that deter larger insects, birds, and other predators from preying on them. These secretions are unpleasant and serve as a protective mechanism.
There are approximately 12,000 named millipede species worldwide. This discovery of the Los Angeles thread millipede adds to the growing body of knowledge about these intriguing creatures.
Conservation efforts must focus on preserving natural habitats, such as parks and green spaces, in urban areas. Encouraging citizen science participation through platforms like iNaturalist can help in identifying and documenting new species. Raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the essential role played by small creatures in the ecosystem is also crucial.
Yes, it is highly likely that there are numerous undiscovered species in urban environments. As this discovery of the Los Angeles thread millipede demonstrates, even in densely populated areas, new species can be found when explored with diligence and curiosity.
More information: ZooKeys (2023). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1167.102537
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