The first record of the tropical tramp millipede Orthomorpha coarctata (de Saussure, 1860) in Cameroon (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae)

Abstract

This study reports the first record of the flat-backed millipede Orthomorpha coarctata (de Saussure, 1860) in Cameroon, and the second for Central Africa. Specimens were collected between 2014 and 2025 at nine localities in anthropogenic habitats, such as agricultural fields and urban areas, at altitudes ranging from 10 to 1 400 m above sea level across five regions of Cameroon. Native to South-East Asia but now pantropically distributed, the species was found near human settlements but not in semi-natural habitats, suggesting a low invasive potential. Predation by ants of the genus Pheidole was observed, indicating its integration into local trophic networks.