Greenhouse Millipede

Scientific Name: Oxidus gracilis

Order & Family: Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae

Size: 18 to 23 mm (0.7 to 0.9 inches) in length

Greenhouse Millipede

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