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Aphistogoniulus infernalis


The Fire Millipede ‘from hell’, Aphistogoniulus infernalis, is endemic to Southeastern Madagascar. Infernalis translates to ‘from hell’ and refers to the vibrant red and black aposematic pattern of this species.

Anatomy and Morphology
The fire millipede’s name comes from its prominent red and black colors which are present in both males and females. Its legs and antenna are red. This coloration may be a warning to potential predators. Life spans of infernalis are 3-4 years. Males grow up to 110-125 mm long and 8.1-10.5 mm wide with 50-53 body rings. Females grow to be larger than the males, 128-136 mm long and 10.5-11.2 mm wide with 48-53 body rings. Sexual dimorphism is prevalent with the width of the female’s body rings being 20-30% larger than males and the length of the female’s being 10% greater than males. Females are still able to molt and grow after reaching sexual maturity. There is some variation between populations found in North and South parts of Isaka-Ivondro and Sainte Luce’s latosol. Infernalis of Isaka-Ivondro South is slightly smaller, 8.1-8.5 mm wide vs 8.6-9.0 mm wide. Infernalis of Isaka-Ivondro North is generally larger, 8.8 mm wide, and has more body rings, 53, than those of Isaka-Ivondro South and Sainte Luce’s soil, with 48-51 body rings. Infernalis can secrete a yellow, odorous fluid but the composition of the fluid is unknown.

Distribution and Habitat
Infernalis is native to the southeastern region of Madagascar in Sainte Luce’s rain forests and can be found in Grand Lavosoa, the Andohahela mountains of Isaka-Ivondro, and a tiny fragment of coastal forest, less than 100 hectares, on lateritic soil. This land is isolated from other forests by grassland and presents a challenging environment for infernalis. Anthropogenic pressure is also a threat with Infernalis’ habitat being destroyed for goods, such as wood. Infernalis is endemic to these few locations and faces the threat of extinction if their environments are not well protected.

Behavior
Aphistogoniulus infernalis can be found climbing on the surface vegetation and resting on epiphytes. Males will sometimes ride on females. In the month of June, the females are all attached to a male.

Predators
Hydrothelphusa vencesi, a river crab in Southeastern Madagascar, is known to feed on infernalis along with other arthropods. The fluid infernalis secretes does not harm this crab.

Conservation status
Aphistogoniulus infernalis is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The biggest threat to declining populations is habitat loss, especially fragmentation and from slash and burn agriculture.