Bug Identifier
Shiny millipede (likely a flat-backed or cylindrical millipede)
Community identification

Shiny millipede (likely a flat-backed or cylindrical millipede)

Diplopoda; species cannot be determined reliably from this photograph

Order & Family
Class Diplopoda; order and family indeterminate without closer regional and anatomical details
Size
Common small species measure about 1–5 cm long; this individual appears approximately 1.5–2 cm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Moist soil, leaf litter, rotting wood, gardens, and areas beneath stones or logs. They favor shaded, humid environments.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily decomposing leaves, fungi, and decaying plant material; some species also consume soft living vegetation.

Behavior Patterns

Usually nocturnal and slow-moving, often curling into a spiral when disturbed. They contribute to decomposition and generally avoid open, dry conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Typically harmless to people and do not bite or sting. Some species release irritating or foul-smelling defensive chemicals, while most benefit soil ecosystems by recycling organic matter.