First Record of Native Millipede (Spirobolida: Pachybolidae) Feeding on and Possibly Pollinating Invasive Opuntia humifusa (Caryophyllales, Cactaceae) in Limpopo Province, South Africa
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Abstract
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.
期刊介绍：
Haseltonia, Yearbook of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America, is published in full color and features peer-reviewed articles about all aspects of cacti, succulents and their environs. Topics include current research and conservation reports, new species descriptions and lengthy taxonomic revisions, historical and biographical notes, chemical and cytological studies, evolutionary biology and ethnobotanical reports, propagation and pest control methods, and pollinator studies. Serious students of the world''s succulent flora, botanists, taxonomists, researchers and horticulturalists will all find Haseltonia a valuable addition to their book collection.
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