Greenhouse Millipede

Scientific Name: Oxidus gracilis

Order & Family: Order Polydesmida, Family Paradoxosomatidae

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

Greenhouse Millipede

Natural Habitat

Damp soil, leaf litter, mulch, and under rocks or logs; commonly found in gardens and greenhouses.

Diet & Feeding

Decomposing organic matter, rotting wood, and occasionally soft plant tissues or seedlings.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and moisture-seeking; they often congregate in large numbers and can secrete a pungent fluid (hydrogen cyanide) to deter predators.

Risks & Benefits

Generally beneficial as decomposers that recycle nutrients into the soil; they do not bite or sting but can be a nuisance in large numbers and may cause skin irritation if handled.

Identified on: 6/11/2026