# 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!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Moist soil and leaf litter
- **Also known as:** Julid, Millipede

![Common Millipede](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426562/objects/5580.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Diplopoda
- **Order:** Julida
- **Family:** Julidae

## 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

- **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.
- **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.
- **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Robins forage on the ground, often finding millipedes.
- **Eaten by:** [Common Shrew](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-shrew) (*Sorex araneus*) — Shrews hunt in leaf litter where millipedes hide.
- **Eaten by:** [Ground Beetle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ground-beetle) (*Carabus nemoralis*) — Some ground beetles prey on slow-moving invertebrates.

## Traits

- [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)
- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs)

## 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 to identify Common Millipede?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### 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

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Common Millipede: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-millipede)