North American Millipede

Deciduous forests, organic leaf litter, under logs and rocks, and moist garden soil

Detritivore; feeds on decaying plant matter, rotting wood, and occasionally fungi

Primarily nocturnal and slow-moving. When threatened, they curl into a tight spiral to protect their soft underside and may secrete a foul-smelling liquid.

Benefit: Vital decomposers that help cycle nutrients back into the soil. Risk: They can secrete a defensive fluid that may irritate human skin or eyes if handled.