Polydesmida: (suborder Dalodesmidea, family uncertain): Procophorella

Procophorella innupta Mesibov, 2003

The two Tasmanian Procophorella species are H+19 and 10-12 mm long as adults. In 2024 a third, very similar species was discovered near Mt Baw Baw in Victoria. All three species are characterised by the appearance of the ozopore, which is near the posterior end of the much-reduced paranotum on most posterior rings (image below). The ozopore rim refracts light strongly and the side of the body seems to be adorned with a string of tiny dewdrops.

Tasmanian Procophorella species are uncommon, with a strong preference for fairly wet forest litter. P. innupta also occurs in pine and ecualypt plantations. Although males are rare in most populations, the two species meet but don't overlap (see maps) at the biogeographical divide known as the Mersey Break. It's fairly safe to identify a female Procophorella in the northwest as P. innupta and a northeast one as P. bashfordi.

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Procophorella bashfordi Mesibov, 2003

 

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Procophorella innupta Mesibov, 2003

 

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