Millipede
Scientific Name: Class Diplopoda
Category: other
Brief Description
A long, segmented arthropod with numerous pairs of legs, typically found crawling on the ground or among leaf litter.
Characteristics
Elongated, cylindrical or slightly flattened bodies made of multiple segments, most bearing two pairs of legs each. They are usually dark brown or black and curl into a tight spiral when threatened.
Habitat
Damp, dark environments such as under rotting logs, beneath stones, in leaf litter, and in rich soil.
When to Find It
Most active during damp conditions, especially in spring and autumn, and often seen after heavy rain.
Conservation Status
N/A
Ecological Role
They play a vital role as decomposers, breaking down decaying plant material and returning nutrients to the soil.
Easily Confused With
Centipedes, which are flatter, move much faster, have only one pair of legs per segment, and are carnivorous.
Observation Tips
Look under damp logs or rocks in wooded areas. Handle gently, as some species secrete defensive fluids that can irritate skin.
Interesting Facts
Despite their name meaning 'thousand feet', no known species actually has a thousand legs; most have between 34 and 400 legs.