Diversification and biogeographic features of millipedes in Serbia, Yugoslavia (Diplopoda)

The fauna of millipedes in Serbia includes 63 species, classified into 33 genera and 16 families. Of the total number of species, 17 (or 27%) are endemic to the area studied; these belong to various phyletic lineages which are of different origins and ages. The outstanding variety of the millipede fauna in Serbia has been greatly influenced by the continuity of the continental phase in different parts of Serbia; by the evolution of the karstic relief; by the succession of the climatic changes which favoured colonization of the newly established niches; and by the divergent differentiation of millipedes in numerous isolated habitats.