Common Millipede

Description:

common millipedes are dark brown and reach 1 to 1 1/2 inches when full grown. They are round and elongated, with many small legs. A common description is "little black worms crawling in the basement windows." When dead or disturbed, they tend to curl into a tight coil. Millipedes do not bite or pose any danger to humans. They feed on rotting organic matter such as leaves and wood and rarely feed on tender green leaves and roots. Because millipedes require high moisture, they usually die if trapped in a home for more than a day or two.

Habitat:

They spend almost all their time in moist areas, such as under rocks or logs and in lawn thatch.

Notes:

If threatened, it exudes foul-tasting chemicals from openings along the sides of its body. These noxious substances are the millipede’s only defense, since it doesn’t bite.