Diplopoda in Mexican Amber: A Supplementary Checklist
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Abstract
The fossil record of millipedes (Myriapoda: Diplopoda) in Mexico is primarily found in the amber-bearing beds of the upper strata of the Simojovel Formation in Chiapas, dating to the uppermost late Oligocene and the lowermost early Miocene boundary, ca. 24 Ma. We present a taxonomic checklist of fossil millipedes identified in Mexico to complement the existing global catalog. This revised compilation encompasses 85 amber inclusions, organized by the following orders: Polyxenida (five records), Platydesmida (four records), Siphonophorida (17 records), Polydesmida (49 records), Stemmiulida (one record), Julida (one record), and others unassigned due to preservation constraints. New records of Chelodesmidae, Pyrgodesmidae, Sphaeriodesmidae, and Trichopolydesmidae are included within the Polydesmida. Descriptions and comments for each record are provided. This inventory highlights Diplopoda biodiversity in southern North America and supports fossil conservation efforts in Mexico.
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References
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