Millipede
Scientific Name: Various species (cannot be determined from image alone)
Order & Family: Class: Diplopoda (often simply referred to as Millipedes, not a specific order/family can be determined from the image alone)
Size: Typically range from 2 cm to 10 cm, though some larger tropical species can reach up to 30 cm.
Natural Habitat
Found in moist, dark environments, including under rocks, logs, leaf litter, in soil, and sometimes in basements or other damp areas of homes.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivores, feeding mainly on decaying plant matter such as leaves, wood, and roots. Some species may occasionally consume fungi or small amounts of moist animal matter.
Behavior Patterns
Millipedes are primarily nocturnal and prefer dark, damp environments. When disturbed, many species coil into a tight spiral, protecting their softer underside. They move relatively slowly, with a wave-like motion of their many legs. They reproduce by laying eggs, often in nests in the soil or decaying wood.
Risks & Benefits
Millipedes are harmless to humans and do not bite or sting. Some species can excrete a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism, which can cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals. They are beneficial to the ecosystem as decomposers, breaking down organic matter and contributing to soil fertility.
Identified on: 6/30/2025