Habitat: Terrestrial and surface burrower in organic detritus, rotting wood, and logs.
Description: Round in cross-section, exoskeleton bodies are divided into repeating segments of two sections (except for the first four) that are fused resulting in two legs attached to each segment posterior of the first four segments. The head has a single pair of antennas, no first mandible in adults and secondary mandibles fused as in other insects. Eyes resemble compound eyes but are a clump of many simple eyes set closely together. Average number of legs is about 100.
Adaptations/Habitat: Large number of strong legs allow them for force their way into rotted logs and soft soil. Their first line of defense against predators is to roll their hardened exoskeleton (body) into a tight spiral or sphere that conceals the vulnerable head and legs. Being smooth-bodied also makes it difficult for predators to get a hold on them. Their second line of defense is chemical. Hydrogen-cyanide is produced by glands in the body and can cause skin irritation in humans. Millipedes are secretive and usually shun light, living under stones, leaves, bark, logs and soil. They are slow, walking by moving every other leg in a segment in a wavelike motion down the body.
Breeding/Growth:
Diet: Herbivorous, preferring rotting vegetation, fruit and some greens.
