Book's description:
Black snake millipede Tachypodoiulus niger
Like centipedes, millipedes dwell in the moist, dark world of
leaf litter and soil. The two are often confused, but there is a
clear point of distinction-millipedes have two pairs of legs on
each body segment; centipedes only have one pair. Britain has
50 species of millipede, of which the black snake millipede is one
of the most common. All species consist of many segments
protected by a hard plate that forms their outer skeleton. The
skeleton gives protection from predators, particularly when the
millipede curls up into a flat ball to conceal its soft underparts.
As it rolls up it can produce a foul-smelling liquid or vapour
from glands along its sides.
Millipedes feed mainly on soft plant tissue, either living or
dead. In attacking root crops and young plants they are agricul-
tural pests, but they are beneficial to soil fertility by recycling
dead and decaying leaves. Young millipedes, which hatch from
eggs, are tiny copies of their parents, and the three to six
months to mature. An adult millipede may live for several years.
The pill millipede is a squat, shiny species which can roll up
into a complete ball when threatened, leaving no chinks in its
armour. It is similar to the pill bug woodlouse.
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| Black Snake Millipede Photo by Alex Sidney |
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