Millipedes

Photos

formal_name

Oxidus gracilis

 

description

Millipedes are arthropods that have two pairs of legs per segment (except for the first segment behind the head which does not have any appendages at all, and the next few which only have one pair of legs). Each segment that has two pairs of legs is a result of two single segments fused together as one. Most millipedes have very elongated cylindrical bodies, although some are flattened dorso-ventrally, while pill millipedes are shorter and can roll into a ball, like a pillbug. The millipede's most obvious feature is its large number of legs. Having very many short legs makes millipedes rather slow, but they are powerful burrowers.

 

color

Black and Red

 

legs

99

 

shape

The head of a millipede is typically rounded above and flattened below and bears large mandibles. The body is flattened or cylindrical, with a single chitinous plate above, one at each side, and two or three on the underside.

 

size

Range from 2 to 280 millimetres (0.079 to 11 in) in length

 

antenanae

yes

 

region

 

habits

 

habitat

They live outdoors and are commonly found in leaf litter, landscape mulch, lawns, and under items in contact with the ground. If indoors, they may survive in moist areas of garages, crawl spaces, and basements.

 

threats

None

 

prevention

Seal cracks in foundation, windows, and doors. Reduce the amount of leaves and mulch near your home.

 

catagories

Occassional Invader

 

pest_category_id

7