American Giant Millipedes

Description:

Large, cylindrical millipedes that were 5-10 cm long!

During the spring, millipedes often embark on mass migrations. They are most active at night and usually snuggle up in safe places during the day. I saw dozens of millipedes along this trail and had to actually watch my step so I didn't squish them.

Habitat:

I spotted dozens of millipedes throughout a mostly coniferous forest and wetland.

I found the hoard shown in photos 2 and 3 cozied up under a pile of juicy scat. Others were crawling on the ground, on trees, under leaves, etc. The millipede in photo 4 was snoozing in someone's burrow. You can see the tufts of fur in the hole, which looked like the remains of a recent meal - quite a bold spot to choose considering that millipedes have many predators.

Notes:

This species can grow to be about twice as large as any other millipede that lives in North America. They curl up into a spiral when threatened. They have two pairs of legs on most body segments, and are gray/black with red lines on the edge of each segment. Millipedes have spiracles on their body segments, which are connected both to their respiratory systems and to pairs of ozadenes (stink glands). These ozadenes can release noxious substances, which may cause serious chemical burns. However. unlike many other millipedes, the North American Millipede doesn't release hydrogen cyanide. They do however, excrete a substance that causes a temporary discoloration of the skin. They do not bite, and their only defense is their secretions.