Greenhouse Millipede
Scientific Name: Oxidus gracilis
Order & Family: Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae
Size: 18 to 23 mm (0.7 to 0.9 inches) in length

Natural Habitat
Damp soil, leaf litter, and under rocks; frequently found in greenhouses and basements
Diet & Feeding
Detritivore; feeds on decaying organic matter, rotting leaves, and occasionally tender plant seedlings
Behavior Patterns
Night-active and moisture-seeking; curls into a tight spiral when threatened and can secrete a foul-smelling liquid to deter predators
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans and pets, though the defensive secretions may irritate eyes; beneficial to the ecosystem as decomposers that recycle nutrients into the soil
Identified on: 6/7/2026