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May 14, 2021
VMNH Associate Curator of Recent Invertebrates Dr. Kal Ivanov and VMNH Myriapodologist (millipede expert) Dr. Jackson Means continued their streak of discovery earlier this week when they traveled to North Carolina and Tennessee in search of undescribed species of millipedes, and hit gold with a new species in the genus Nannaria!
All morning it pelted down rain, but despite the chill and wet, our intrepid explorers trudged on, determined to find their quarry. In total, around 15 different species of millipede were found, including the beautiful Sigmoria latior (with red spots) and Appalachioria ethotela (with yellow spots).
Kal and Jackson ended their trip at Backbone Rock Recreation Area in eastern Tennessee, which features an awe-inspiring monolith that you can hike and explore. Many areas of Appalachia still contain undiscovered species, and we encourage everyone to get out there and take a look at the small, hidden things in the world.
What will you discover?
