Archipolypoda
Archipolypoda is an extinct group of millipedes known from fossils in Europe and North America and containing the earliest known land animals. The Archipolypoda was erected by Scudder but redefined in 2005 with the description of several new species from Scotland. Distinguishing characteristics include relatively large eyes with densely packed ocelli, and modified leg pairs on the 8th body ring. Some species had prominent spines while others had a flattened appearance.Classification
The Archipolypoda as currently recognized consists of four orders, many with monotypic families and genera, as well as five species of uncertain placement.
Archidesmida Wilson & Anderson 2004
- Archidesmidae Scudder, 1885
- *Archidesmus macnicoli Peach, 1882. Lower Devonian, Scotland
- Zanclodesmidae Wilson, Daeschler, & Desbiens 2005
- *Zanclodesmus willetti Wilson, Daeschler, & Desbiens 2005. Upper Devonian, Quebec, Canada
- *Orsadesmus rubecollus Wilson, Daeschler, & Desbiens 2005. Upper Devonian, Pennsylvania, USA
Cowiedesmida Wilson & Anderson 2004
- Cowiedesmidae Wilson & Anderson 2004
- *Cowiedesmus eroticopodus Wilson & Anderson 2004. Mid Silurian, Scotland.
Euphoberiida Hoffman, 1969
- Euphoberiidae Scudder, 1882. Upper Carboniferous of Europe and North America.
- *Acantherpestes Meek & Worthen, 1868
- *Euphoberia Meek & Worthen, 1868
- *Myriacantherpestes Burke, 1979
Palaeosomatida Hannibal & Krzeminski, 2005. Carboniferous, UK and Poland
- Palaeosomatidae Hannibal & Krzeminski, 2005
- *Palaeosoma
Order incertae sedis
- Albadesmus almond Wilson & Anderson 2004 Mid Silurian Scotland
- Anaxeodesmus diambonotus Wilson 2005 Upper Carboniferous, UK.
- Anthracodesmus macconochiei, Peach, 1899
- Palaeodesmus tuberculata Lower Devonian, Scotland.
- Pneumodesmus newmani Wilson & Anderson 2004 Mid Silurian, Scotland
