Trachysphaera

{{Short description|Genus of millipedes}} {{for|the oomycete (water mold) genus|Trachysphaera (oomycete)}} {{Automatic taxobox | image = Trachysphaera-sp.jpg | image_caption = ''Trachysphaera sp.'' | image2 = Trachysphaera lobata 4 b.png | image2_caption = ''Trachysphaera lobata'' | taxon = Trachysphaera (millipede) | authority = Heller, 1858 | type_species = | type_species_authority = | synonyms = {{collapsible list | title={{Clear}} |{{Species list | Gervaisia | Waga, 1858 | Gervaisicus | Chamberlin, 1962 | Gervaisiscus | Chamberlin, 1962 | Spelaeogervaisia | Brölemann, 1914 }} }} }}

'''''Trachysphaera''''' is a genus of dwarf pill millipedes in the order Glomerida. Just over 30 species are known, making it the third most species-rich genus of Glomerida. ''Trachysphaera'' species are patchily distributed throughout Europe and western Asia, extending from Spain to Caucasia.<ref name="Wilbrandt et al 2015">{{cite journal|last1=Wilbrandt|first1=Jeanne|last2=Lee|first2=Paul|last3=Read|first3=Helen|last4=Wesener|first4=Thomas|title=A first integrative study of the identity and origins of the British Dwarf Pill Millipede populations, Trachysphaera cf. lobata (Diplopoda, Glomerida, Glomeridae)|journal=Biodiversity Data Journal|date=2015|volume=3|issue=3 |article-number=e5176|doi=10.3897/BDJ.3.e5176|pmid=26175612 |pmc=4493372 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catalogueoflife.org/col/browse/tree/id/be7febc420caf3053688ac6f19aa1b0c|title=''Trachysphaera''|work=Catalogue of Life|date=26 August 2015|access-date=5 September 2015}}</ref> Members of this genus are tiny, with modified appearances resembling that of calcareous stones.<ref>Wilbrandt J, Lee P, Read H, Wesener T (2015) A first integrative study of the identity and origins of the British Dwarf Pill Millipede populations, ''Trachysphaera''cf.''lobata'' (Diplopoda, Glomerida, Glomeridae). Biodiversity Data Journal 3: e5176. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.3.e5176</ref>

== Description == ''Trachysphaera'' is a genus within the order Glomerida that is known for its distinctive morphology. The species belonging to ''Trachysphaera'' exhibit a whitish coloration and are generally small, with adult individuals measuring no more than 5 mm in length.<ref name=":0">Antić, Dragan & Šević, Mirko & MACEK, OLIVER & AKKARI, NESRINE. (2021). Review of Trachysphaera Heller, 1858 (Diplopoda: Glomerida: Glomeridae) in Serbia, with taxonomic notes on the genus. Zootaxa. 5047. 273-299. 10.11646/zootaxa.5047.3.3.</ref> One of the most striking characteristics of this genus is the presence of transverse ribs located in the posterior regions of the tergites. These ribs are adorned with unique coagulated structures that take the form of tubercles, papillae, and rods.<ref name=":0" /> ''Trachysphaera'' is one of the few glomerid genera possessing a deep lateral pit on both sides of the thoracic shield. These pits are notable features, although their function is currently unknown.<ref name=":0" />

== Distribution == ''Trachysphaera'' is found across most of Europe.<ref name=":0" /> The genus has been documented in various European countries including France and Great Britain.<ref name="Wilbrandt et al 2015" /> In addition to its presence in Europe, ''Trachysphaera'' species have also been reported in specific regions of western Asia. These regions include Crimea, the Caucasus, Turkey, Israel, and Northwest Iran. The distribution of ''Trachysphaera'' species is not uniform, and their presence may be patchy and localized.<ref name="Wilbrandt et al 2015" /> Some species may have a wider distribution range, while others may be more narrowly endemic, being restricted to specific habitats or regions.<ref name=":0" />

== Habitat == ''Trachysphaera'' possess a diverse habitat range, however a majority of species inhabit forest ecosystems.<ref name=":0" /> Additionally, some species are also known to occupy caves, with the genus containing multiple narrowly endemic troglofauna.<ref name=":0" /> ''Trachysphaera'' have also been discovered living within suburban areas, where they have adapted to life in anthropogenic landscapes.<ref name=":0" />

==Species list== There are currently 33 species recognized:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-20 |title=Trachysphaera Heller, 1858 |url=https://www.millibase.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=892795&allchildren=1 |access-date=2023-05-20 |website=Millibase}}</ref>

{{Div col}} *''Trachysphaera anatolica'' Ceuca, 1975 *''Trachysphaera apenninorum'' (Verhoeff, 1908) *''Trachysphaera biharica'' (Ceuca, 1961) *''Trachysphaera coiffaiti'' Strasser, 1974 *''Trachysphaera corcyraea'' (Verhoeff, 1900) *''Trachysphaera costata'' (Waga, 1857) *''Trachysphaera cristangula'' (Attems, 1943) *''Trachysphaera dobrogica'' (Tabacaru, 1958) *''Trachysphaera drescoi'' (Condé & Demange, 1961) *''Trachysphaera fabbrii'' (Verhoeff, 1929) *''Trachysphaera fragilis'' Golovatch, 1976 *''Trachysphaera gasparoi'' Strasser, 1981 *''Trachysphaera gibbula'' (Latzel, 1884) *''Trachysphaera jonescui'' (Brölemann, 1914) *''Trachysphaera ligurina'' (Manfredi, 1953) *''Trachysphaera lobata'' (Ribaut, 1954) *''Trachysphaera lobotarsus'' (Attems, 1943) *''Trachysphaera minuta'' Golovatch, 1976 *''Trachysphaera orghidani'' (Tabacaru, 1958) *''Trachysphaera orientalis'' Golovatch, 1976 *''Trachysphaera ormeana'' (Verhoeff, 1930) *''Trachysphaera pigmentifera'' (Verhoeff, 1941) *''Trachysphaera pygidialis'' Golovatch, 1990 *''Trachysphaera pyrenaica'' (Ribaut, 1907) *''Trachysphaera racovitzai'' (Tabacaru, 1960) *''Trachysphaera radiosa'' Lignau, 1911 *''Trachysphaera ribauti'' (Condé & Demange, 1961) *''Trachysphaera rotundata'' Lignau, 1911 *''Trachysphaera rousseti'' (Demange, 1959) *''Trachysphaera schmidtii'' Heller, 1858 *''Trachysphaera solida'' Golovatch, 1976 *''Trachysphaera spelaea'' (Tabacaru, 1960) *''Trachysphaera varallensis'' (Verhoeff, 1936) {{Div col end}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

Category:Glomerida Category:Millipedes of Europe Category:Millipede genera Category:Taxa described in 1858 Category:Taxa named by Camill Heller