Minibeast Profiles: Millipedes
by Gary A. Dunn, M.S., F.R.E.S., Director of Education
Millipedes (members of the arthropod class Diplopoda), are sometimes called "thousand-leggers", in reference to their 25 to 100 body segments, each bearing two pair of jointed legs (except the head and tip of the abdomen). Two short antennae are located on the head, but are generally not readily visible. The common millipedes found throughout temperate North America are usually about 26 mm (1 inch) in length, slate gray or brownish, cylindrical ("worm-like"), and hard shelled. They are slow moving but can easily push their way through soil and mulch. They do not bite, but some species can produce a foul-smelling fluid. When disturbed they coil up like a watch spring with their head tucked into the center of the circle. Millipedes occur in all types of environments where it is damp and dark. They are commonly found in mulch and piles of organic matter, and under flower pots, stones, boards, and other rubbish. They are most abundant in heavily wooded areas, or other areas where decaying vegetation provides plenty of food. Millipedes are vegetarians, feeding primarily on soft, decaying plant matter as well as the tender portions of plant stems and roots. They also occasionally feed on stored tubers and vegetables, especially diseased or damaged ones.
Desert millipede from Arizona
Millipedes overwinter as adults or nearly mature adults. Egg laying occurs throughout the spring and summer months, with each female depositing 20 to 300 eggs, individually or in small groups, in the soil. The eggs hatch in a few weeks and the immature millipedes pass through 7 to 10 stages of development before reaching maturity.
REFERENCES
If you would like to learn more about millipedes, I recommend the following books:
| This educational resource was prepared by the Young Entomologists Society, 6907 West Grand River Ave., Lansing MI 48906-9131, phone/fax 517-886-0630, e-mail YESbugs@aol.com. Support minibeast youth education - join Y.E.S. today! |