The life history and ecology of three paradoxosomatid millipedes (Diplopoda: Polydesmida) in northern Nigeria

The life history and ecology of three polydesmoid millipedes of the family Paradoxosomatidae in Zaria, Nigeria are described. The species are surface dwellers and feed on soil: cryptogams are probably important in the diet. The function of the swarming behaviour which characterizes most larval stadia of these species is discussed. Habrodesmus duboscqui completes its life cycle in one or two years, most Xanthodesmus sp. and Xanthodesmus physkon in one year. The adults are relatively short lived in all three species and die before the onset of the dry season. The species survive the dry season as diapausing larvae in the soil and the moulting chamber is probably important in water conservation.