
Community identification
Greenhouse Millipede
Oxidus gracilis
- Order & Family
- Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae
- Size
- 18 to 23 mm (0.7 to 0.9 inches) in length
Natural Habitat
Damp soil, leaf litter, and under rocks; frequently found in greenhouses and gardens.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivore; eats decaying organic matter, though it may occasionally feed on young seedling roots.
Behavior Patterns
Mainly nocturnal; it is known for its ability to produce hydrogen cyanide as a defense mechanism when threatened.
Risks & Benefits
Beneficial as a decomposer that enriches soil; poses no health risk to humans, though the defense secretions can irritate eyes or skin if handled.