Microdecemplex Temporal range:
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Order: | †Microdecemplicida Wilson & Shear, 2000
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Family: | †Microdecemplicidae Wilson & Shear, 2000
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Genus: | † Microdecemplex
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Microdecemplex rolfei Wilson & Shear, 2000
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Microdecemplex rolfei is the only known species of the extinct, small-bodied millipede order Microdecemplicida. This order is originally considered as a member of the extinct subclass Arthropleuridea, but study in 2024 suggested to reject from the group, instead belongs to subclass Chilognatha.[1] Fossils, measuring less than 5 mm in length, are known from the Panther Mountain Formation of New York State, dating to the Middle Devonian. This species apparently lacks antennae and shows sexual dimorphism in its hind legs, which may be similar in function to the telopods of male living pill-millipedes that are used to grasp females during mating.[2][3]