Stemmiulids are small to medium sized millipedes, reaching a maximum length of 50 mm (2 in). The body tapers gradually, and is laterally compressed, so is taller than wide. A dorsal groove is present and runs from head to tail. The eyes consist of two largeocelli on each side of the head, and some members are capable of jumping.[1][2] The living species lackTömösváry organs, although a fossil species from theMiocene epoch possesses them.[3]
Stemmiluda contains 6-10 living genera and at least one fossil genus, all in the family Stemmiulidae. Species estimates range from about 120 to 150 species.[4][5] The taxonomy is controversial, with some authors lumping species into as few as three genera.[5] The most liberal classification is presented below.[6]
^abRiquelme, F.; Alvarado-Ortega, J.; Ramos-Arias, M.; Hernández, M.; Dez, I.; Lee-Whiting, T. A.; Ruvalcaba-Sil, J. L. (2013). "A fossil stemmiulid millipede (Diplopoda: Stemmiulida) from the Miocene amber of Simojovel, Chiapas, México".Historical Biology.26 (4):1–13.doi:10.1080/08912963.2013.778843.S2CID85299484.
^Sierwald, Petra; Bond, Jason E. (2007). "Current Status of the Myriapod Class Diplopoda (Millipedes): Taxonomic Diversity and Phylogeny".Annual Review of Entomology.52 (1):401–420.doi:10.1146/annurev.ento.52.111805.090210.PMID17163800.
