Millipedes
Diplopoda

Millipedes are a golden-brown or dark brown colored cylindrical species of invertebrates that often resembles a worm. They can be found all throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

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A millipede with black and red coloring crawls across over a boulder's edge.
There are many different species of millipedes, including the American giant millipede complex, which often has more red coloring. (Photo by Caitlin Finnerty/Chesapeake Bay Program)

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Appearance

The millipede is a cylindrical and often slightly flattened species of invertebrates that typically shows golden-brown to dark brown coloring. Although their name implies they should have a thousand legs, most actually possess fewer than 100, which stick out underneath their bodies.

Feeding

Millipedes are scavengers, meaning they feed on and break down dead plant material, decaying wood particles or rotting fruits, all while rejuvenating the soil.

Predators

Millipedes are prey to shrews, toads, badgers and many types of birds.

Reproduction and life cycle

Every spring, millipedes lay their eggs in the soil. When the offspring hatch after approximately three months, they only have a few pairs of legs. Millipedes undergo “molting,” a process in which they will shed their exoskeleton, at least 7-10 times as they grow into adulthood. Each time they molt, they acquire new segments and legs. They gain new segments and legs until they reach adulthood.

Did you know?

  • After molting, millipedes will consume their exoskeleton to absorb nutrients.

  • Some species of millipedes are bioluminescent, and will grow a greenish-blue in the dark.

  • Some species can produce hydrogen cyanide out of defense, a noxious liquid that can be toxic to small animals.

Sources and additional information

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