According to Scheller 2008 "A reclassification of the Pauropoda (Myriapoda)" and Scheller 2011 "Treatise on Zoology - Anatomy, Taxonomy, Biology. The Myriapoda, Volume 1. 21. Pauropoda" the Pauropoda are split into two orders, Tetramerocerata and Hexamerocerata. The former is exceedingly diverse and globally distributed, while the latter has a single genus known only from Brazil, Japan, and parts of Africa and the surrounding islands. They are defined as such;
Tetramerocerata: Antennae of 4 segments and 2 apical branches, not capable of much contraction. Sternal antennal branch with a sensillum (globulus) consisting of an stalk carrying an outer ring of bracts surrounding a central capsule. Temporal organ sac-like, fused to head along margins. Collum ventrally with vestigial appendages, a median process, and setae. Trunk segments 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 with tergites. Bothriotricha mounted on segments 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. At most 10, usually 9 pairs of legs. Legs with a single seta on both the trochanter and coxa. Pygidium tergum in adults with 3 pairs of setae. Tracheae absent. Mandibles well sclerotized, for chewing solid food.
Hexamerocerata: Antennae of 6 segments and with an apical and subapical branch, telescopic. Antennal segment 6 with a sensillum (candelabra-sensillum) consisting of a stalk with several apical appendages. Temporal organ umbrella-shaped, stalked and raised above head. Collum ventrally smooth, featureless. Trunk segments 1-12 with tergites. Bothriotricha mounted on segments 2, 5, 7, 9, and 11. 11 pairs of legs. Legs with a single large seta on the coxa and 2 large setae on the trochanter. Pygidium tergum in adults with 5 or more pairs of setae. Tracheae well developed at base of first pair of legs, rudimentary at the bases of remaining pairs. Mandibles poorly sclerotized, for peircing and sucking.
This species presents a mixture of traits characteristic to both orders, in addition to some unique ones. It is characterized as follows: Antennae of 4 segments and with 2 apical branches, not very contractile. Sternal antennal branch with a sensillum consisting of a stalk carrying an outer ring of bracts surrounding several inner appendages. Temporal organs umbrella-shaped, stalked and distinct from head but placed within an indentation en vivo so as to lie flush with the surrounding cuticle. Collum ventrally smooth, featureless. At least trunk segments 2-11 with tergites; trunk segments 1 and 12 either without tergites or with very small poorly developed tergites. Bothriotricha mounted on segments 4, 6, 8, 10 and 11. 9 pairs of legs. Last pair of legs with a single seta on both trochanter and coxa, but remaining pairs with an additional seta on the trochanter. Pygidium tergum in adults with 5 pairs of setae. Rudimentary tracheae present at bases of all pairs of legs. Mandibles not especially well sclerotized, but for chewing solid food.
In addition, this species possesses a number of characters not yet known from either of the two known orders. The mouth is placed medially on the ventral face of the head, and points downwards; this gives the entirety of the head a very boxy, unwieldy shape. In both known orders the mouth is placed on the anterior face or anteroventral angle of the head, and is directed forwards; the head is generally more streamlined with respect to the contours of the rest of the body. The sternum of the pygidium has 7 pairs of setae. In both known orders there is at least 1 and at most 3 pairs of setae. The setae of the body, posterior half of the head, most of pygidium, and most of legs are very small and spine-like. In both known orders they are significantly larger, and even if acuminate, they are not of the bristle-like form seen here.