Identification of Spiropoeus fischeri Brandt, 1833 from captive bred millipedes in Zoos (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae).

BACKGROUND: Large millipedes of the family Spirostreptidae are often kept in zoos and other educational living collections in the United States where they are commonly known as giant African millipedes. Although accurate species determinations are needed for permitting, live animal care protocols and outreach, many of these millipedes originate from poorly-documented sources (e.g. the exotic species trade). This leaves species determination unclear and hampers understanding and communicating the species natural history and other biological information. NEW INFORMATION: We found that Spiropoeus fischeri Brandt, 1833 is the identity of a large millipede commonly exhibited alive by zoos in the U.S. Although this large (14 cm-long), easy-to-raise millipede has been kept for decades in living exhibits, its identity was unknown until now. We provide a detailed explanation of the diagnostic morphology to identify S. fischeri, and supply cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) DNA barcode sequences of individuals. With accurate knowledge of its identity, zoos and educational collections can now share with the public a species name and rich biological information about S. fischeri, including its life history and home range in sub-Saharan Africa.