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USE OF FLUORESCENT POWDER AS A MARKING METHOD ON MILLIPEDES

Abstract

Millipedes (class Diplopoda) are a diverse group of detritivores that are crucial for nutrient cycling and decomposition. Despite this, there is little known about these animals, such as home range, population size, sociality, and more. This is partly due to the fact that there has been no effective method for marking millipedes due to their small size, elongate shape, and fossorial nature. There has been some research using fluorescent powder for mark-recapture studies on insects. We tested the effectiveness of fluorescent powder as a marking method on millipedes using multiple species, including Ptyoiulus impressus (Julida: Parajulidae) and Dicellarius paynei (Polydesmida: Xystodesmidae). Initial studies assessed fluorescent powder longevity and impact on mortality of the two species. For both species, the use of fluorescent powder had no apparent impact on individual mortality. There was varying longevity of the powder, with P. impressus retaining powder on leg crevices and D. paynei retaining powder under and around the paranota. However, traces of powder were retained on all marked individuals of both species. For both species, the submersion in water had no impact on powder retention. An outdoor test was also done to assess transfer between individuals and powder retention in natural conditions. For the outdoor test, marked and unmarked individuals were placed into mesocosms for approximately two weeks. Mesocosms consisted of 5-gal buckets partially buried into the soil. For D. paynei, only trace amounts of powder remained on marked individuals due to abrasion and weather. However, all marked individuals retained enough fluorescent powder to be differentiated from unmarked individuals. The outdoor test for P. impressus had to be replaced with Uroblaniulus sp. due to availability; this study is ongoing. Overall, fluorescent powder shows promise as an effective method for marking millipedes.

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