Greenhouse Millipede
Scientific Name: 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.
Identified on: 5/13/2026