American Giant Millipede

Natural Habitat

Found in deciduous forests of North America, typically under leaf litter, rotting logs, and in moist soil.

Diet & Feeding

Detritivore; consumes decaying plant material, rotting wood, and occasionally fungi.

Behavior Patterns

Slow-moving and nocturnal. They are excellent burrowers and will curl into a tight spiral when threatened. They have a long lifespan, sometimes living up to 11 years.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by recycling nutrients into the soil. They are harmless to humans, though they can secrete a liquid (benzoquinones) that may irritate skin or eyes and cause temporary staining.

Identified on: 6/27/2026