North American Millipede

Moist dark places under decaying logs, leaves, stones, and soil across eastern North America

Detritivore; feeds on decaying wood, dead leaves, and other decomposing plant matter

Slow-moving and nocturnal; curls into a tight coil when threatened and can secrete defensive fluids that smell foul

Harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting, though defensive secretions may cause mild skin irritation; highly beneficial decomposers that help enrich soil nutrient cycles