Ecological energetics of the millipede, Xenobolus carnifex (Fabricius) (Diplopoda: Spirobolida)

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Composition and biomass of the millipede, Xenobolus carnifex population in two huts of Anaiyur village, Madurai were estimated by direct observation. Data on rates of feeding, assimilation and conversion obtained in the laboratory were applied to estimate the rates and efficiencies of energy flow from the reed (Aristida sativa) through the X. carnifex population during 1997-2000. Ecological and exploitation efficiencies increased from 0.289 to 0.480% and 19.5 to 33.7% during the study period. An average of 257,947 kJ/m²/year reed energy was available in the roof. Of this over 25% was channeled through X. carnifex population. The millipede delivered over about 69% of the ingested reed energy as feces, which supported coprophagus insects, which coexisted in the roof. The millipede population lost about 30% of the ingested energy on metabolism and converted at the rate of 943 kJ/m²/year. An energy flow model has been drawn and discussed in the light of information available in the literature.