Tammy Borko Photography
North American Millipede
Narceus americanus-
This is a black millipede with long red stripes. It is scientifically known as the Narceus americanus.
Its common name is the North American Millipede. This millipede is noteworthy in that it is the largest of all the millipedes in North America. It can grow to a length of 10cm- which makes it twice as large as any other millipede in North America.
This Millipede feeds on plant matter–mostly decayed or dead plant matter–and is most often found outside, very rarely venturing inside. They may be considered pests by gardeners.
They live in woods and fields, anywhere there is darkness and moisture. They are usually found underneath logs or dead leaves.
Millipedes eat dead and decaying plant matter, such as old leaves, stems, and flowers. They also eat fungi that is on the plant matter, and sometimes they eat partly decayed animals, such as earthworms, snails, and insects. Millipedes are very important, because they help put nutrients back in the soil for plants and other organisms to use.
Millipedes have tiny holes, called spiracles, on the sides of their segments. They breathe through these holes and must stay in places where there is moisture.
North American Millipedes are mostly nocturnal, coming out to feed at night.
Millipedes have predators, but they also have some good defenses.
First, if a millipede feels threatened it can roll up tightly into a coil, with its head and legs turned inward. This way its hard exoskelton (shell) protects the soft parts of its body.
If that doesn't work, the millipede lets out a foul-smelling chemical which makes it unappetizing to many predators.
Even with these defenses, millipedes are eaten by frogs, lizards, some beetles, and a few birds. Their main predators, though, are shrews. Millipedes are one of the shrew's favorite snacks.
North American Millipede
Narceus americanus-
This is a black millipede with long red stripes. It is scientifically known as the Narceus americanus.
Its common name is the North American Millipede. This millipede is noteworthy in that it is the largest of all the millipedes in North America. It can grow to a length of 10cm- which makes it twice as large as any other millipede in North America.
This Millipede feeds on plant matter–mostly decayed or dead plant matter–and is most often found outside, very rarely venturing inside. They may be considered pests by gardeners.
They live in woods and fields, anywhere there is darkness and moisture. They are usually found underneath logs or dead leaves.
Millipedes eat dead and decaying plant matter, such as old leaves, stems, and flowers. They also eat fungi that is on the plant matter, and sometimes they eat partly decayed animals, such as earthworms, snails, and insects. Millipedes are very important, because they help put nutrients back in the soil for plants and other organisms to use.
Millipedes have tiny holes, called spiracles, on the sides of their segments. They breathe through these holes and must stay in places where there is moisture.
North American Millipedes are mostly nocturnal, coming out to feed at night.
Millipedes have predators, but they also have some good defenses.
First, if a millipede feels threatened it can roll up tightly into a coil, with its head and legs turned inward. This way its hard exoskelton (shell) protects the soft parts of its body.
If that doesn't work, the millipede lets out a foul-smelling chemical which makes it unappetizing to many predators.
Even with these defenses, millipedes are eaten by frogs, lizards, some beetles, and a few birds. Their main predators, though, are shrews. Millipedes are one of the shrew's favorite snacks.