Chordeuma proximum Ribaut, 1913

Distribution 

This species has a distinct south western distribution in Britain with single records from Cumbria, NE Yorkshire and the Isle of Rum, Inner Hebrides. There is evidence that the millipede has been introduced at two of these northern locations. It may also have been introduced to some, if not all, of the sites in the north of Ireland.

Elsewhere in Europe this species has been found only in France and shows a classic Atlantic distribution. Unlike in Britain, its range in France lies to the west of that of C. sylvestre although they overlap in Normandy (Kime, 2001). 

Habitat

Analysis of the habitat data suggests a strong association with woodlands and Kime (2001) describes it as a typical woodland animal in France. A strong association with coastal sites is suggested also but such a link is not apparent in France and may be an artefact caused by the south western distribution in Britain. Kime (1990a) associated this species with acidic sands or loams. Those records providing data on soil factors support a possible link with acidic soils (67% of records) and with loams (55% of records) but there is insufficient evidence to confirm strong associations and there is no evidence of a link with sandy soils. 

Phenology

It is an annual species in the south although Blower (1985) suggests it may have a two year life cycle further north in the Forest of Dean. Adults are found most frequently in the winter (Read, 1988) but have been recorded from September through to June. 

This species account is based on Lee (2006).