
Community identification
Rusty Millipede
Trigoniulus corallinus
- Order & Family
- Order: Spirobolida, Family: Pachybolidae
- Size
- 20 mm to 50 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Damp environments such as leaf litter, mulch, under rocks, and rotting logs. They often enter homes during heavy rains or dry spells seeking moisture.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivorous; they feed on decaying organic matter, leaf litter, and occasionally fungi or tender plant roots.
Behavior Patterns
Primarily nocturnal and slow-moving. When threatened, they often curl into a tight spiral to protect their soft underside and may secrete defensive chemicals.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting. They are beneficial decomposers that help recycle nutrients into the soil; however, they can be considered a nuisance when they enter buildings in large numbers.