Common Millipede
ExploreInsects
Common Millipede
Julidae
The Common Millipede is a little worm-like creature that has many legs. They help break down dead plants and keep the soil healthy!
Habitat: Moist soil and leaf litter
Appearance
The Common Millipede has a cylindrical, segmented body that is typically dark brown, black, or gray. It is visually distinct from centipedes by having two pairs of legs on most body segments, giving it a slower, more deliberate gait.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassDiplopodaOrderJulidaFamilyJulidae
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Millipedes help recycle dead leaves and wood, keeping forests healthy.
Some species of millipedes can actually glow in the dark under UV light!
The name "millipede" means "thousand feet," but most have fewer!
They use their short antennae to sniff out decaying food in the soil.
Special abilities
Ability
Curl Power
Common Millipede can curl into a tight defensive coil because of its flexible segmented body that helps them protect their soft underside from predators.
Ability
Stinky Shield
Common Millipede has glands that produce a foul-smelling liquid because of special pores that helps them deter hungry attackers like birds and ants.
Ability
Earth Burrower
Common Millipede can burrow into soil and leaf litter because of its strong, numerous legs that helps them find food, moisture, and shelter.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 20-100 mm
- Lifespan
- 730-1825 days
- Leg Count
- 80
Diet & Feeding
They are nature's clean-up crew, munching on dead plants and decaying organic matter.
Primary Foods
- Decaying leaves
- Rotting wood
- Fungi
- Moist plant matter
- Algae
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Robins forage on the ground, often finding millipedes.
eaten by
Common Shrew
Sorex araneus
Shrews hunt in leaf litter where millipedes hide.
eaten by
Ground Beetle
Carabus nemoralis
Some ground beetles prey on slow-moving invertebrates.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
JulidMillipede
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Common Millipede?
20-100 mm
How long does Common Millipede live?
730-1825 days
What does Common Millipede eat?
They are nature's clean-up crew, munching on dead plants and decaying organic matter.
Where is Common Millipede usually found?
Moist soil and leaf litter
How does Common Millipede hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Common Millipede have?
80
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