Myriapodology in Serbia

Abstract

Myriapods, one of the most ancient and diverse groups of terrestrial arthropods, remain relatively understudied worldwide. Serbia is an exception, with a tradition of research dating back to 1882, when the first millipede and centipede species were recorded. Until the end of the 20th century, studies were sporadic and primarily conducted by foreign researchers. A major turning point occurred in 1995 with the establishment of systematic research at the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Biology. Since then, intensive and collaborative efforts by the research group have greatly expanded the knowledge of Serbian myriapods. The team now includes over ten researchers spanning three generations, investigating taxonomy, faunistics, biogeography, biospeleology, development, reproduction, chemoecology, toxicology, biological activity, and behaviour. Recent work has also focused on the poorly known Symphyla and Pauropoda. This review provides a brief history of myriapod research in Serbia and highlights the contributions of Serbian researchers from 1995 to 2025, including a complete bibliography of the last three decades.