American Giant Millipede
Scientific Name: Narceus americanus
Order & Family: Order Spirobolida, Family Spirobolidae
Size: 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12 cm) in length
Natural Habitat
Deciduous forests under leaf litter, rotting logs, and in damp soil
Diet & Feeding
Detritivorous; eats decaying plant matter, leaves, and wood
Behavior Patterns
Slow-moving, crepuscular or nocturnal, curls into a tight spiral when threatened or resting
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless, but can secrete a pungent liquid that may irritate skin or eyes; provides ecological benefit as a decomposer
Identified on: 3/2/2026