Greenhouse Millipede

Scientific Name: Oxidus gracilis

Order & Family: Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae

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

Greenhouse Millipede

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