
Millipede
Class Diplopoda (various species)
- Order & Family
- Order: Julida (common type in image), Family: Varies widely
- Size
- 1 cm to 10 cm, with some tropical species growing much larger (up to 38 cm)
Natural Habitat
Damp, dark places such as under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and in soil; sometimes found in basements or other moist areas in homes, especially after heavy rains.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivores, primarily feeding on decaying plant material (leaves, wood), fungi, and sometimes small amounts of moist animal matter. They play a crucial role in decomposition.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal; slow-moving; when disturbed, they often curl into a tight coil to protect their soft undersides. Some species can excrete a foul-smelling or irritating liquid as a defense mechanism.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: Important decomposers, contributing to soil health and nutrient cycling. Risks: Generally harmless to humans, though some species can release irritating secretions that may cause skin discoloration or mild irritation if handled. They are not known to bite or sting.