Millipede Rediscovered in South Australia After 90 Years: Colobothrix deckeri Defies Dry Climate

A millipede species first collected in South Australia 90 years ago has finally been described and named Colobothrix deckeri. Belonging to the family Dalodesmidae, this discovery is significant because it is the first member of this typically moisture-loving family found in a region with low annual rainfall of just 400 to 500 mm (16 to 20 inches). The species was rediscovered and formally described by scientists, shedding light on the adaptability of millipedes in arid environments. This finding highlights the importance of long-term specimen preservation and taxonomic research, as the original collection remained unidentified for decades. Understanding such species helps scientists track biodiversity and ecosystem changes in Australia's unique habitats. The rediscovery of Colobothrix deckeri underscores how much remains to be learned about invertebrate life in dry regions.