Polyxenid millipede (Diplopoda, Polyxenida) associated with empty snail shells

Abstract

A polyxenid millipede found singly and in groups of up to nine individuals or their exuviae in dead empty snail shells from Qrejten Point, northeastern coast of Malta, was identified as Polyxenus macedonicus Verhoeff, 1952. Other organisms were also collected from the same shells, but there was no evidence to suggest a parasitic or predatory relationship of any of these with the millipedes. We conclude that the polyxenids were exploiting the shells as shelters with a relatively benign microclimate in an otherwise arid environment.