Superregnum: Eukaryota
Cladus: Unikonta
Cladus: Opisthokonta
Cladus: Holozoa
Regnum: Animalia
Subregnum: Eumetazoa
Cladus: Bilateria
Cladus: Nephrozoa
Cladus: Protostomia
Cladus: Ecdysozoa
Cladus: Panarthropoda
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Myriapoda
Classis: Chilopoda
Ordo: Craterostigmomorpha
Familia: Craterostigmidae
Name
Craterostigmomorpha Pocock, 1902
References
Pocock, R.I. 1902. A new and annectant type of chilopod. Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science 45: 417–448. Reference page.
Edgecombe, G.D. & Giribet, G. 2008. A New Zealand species of the trans-Tasman centipede order Craterostigmomorpha (Arthropoda: Chilopoda) corroborated by molecular evidence. Invertebrate Systematics 22: 1–15. DOI: 10.1071/IS07036 Reference page.
The Craterostigmomorpha are the least diverse centipede clade, comprising only two extant species, both in the genus Ceratostigmus. Their geographic range is restricted to Tasmania and New Zealand. They have a distinct body plan; their anamorphosis comprises a single stage; they grow from 12 to 15 segments in their first moult. Their low diversity and intermediate position between the primitive Anamorphic centipedes and the derived Epimorpha has led to them being likened to the platypus. They represent the survivors of a once diverse clade. Maternal brooding unites Craterostigomomorpha with the Epimorpha into the clade Phylactometria. This trait is thought to be closely linked with the presence of sternal pores, which secrete sticky or noxious secretions, which mainly serve to repel predators and parasites. The presence of these pores on the Devonian Devonobius permits its inclusion in this clade, allowing its divergence to be dated to 375 (or more) million years ago.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/"
All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License
