Millipede
I hurried out to the garden this morning to get a few things done before I had to go to work. This colorful guy was waiting on me. He's worth a closer look.I googled a little and found a wonderful page about North American millipedes on the Stratford Landing Elementary School, Alexandria VA website. An elementary school, of all things!
You can click through yourself but here are some of the basics.
On the North American millipede, the first three segments will have one pair of legs, and the rest of the segments have two pair of legs. They move very slowly (this guy was moving slow as molasses).
I wasn't sure if he was a good guy or a bad guy, so I left him alone. Turns out he eats decaying plant matter and sometimes decaying animals (primarily earthworms and other insects). So he's pretty neutral in the garden.
They are nocturnal, and can live for several years.
Labels: nature
posted by Leslie @ 12:54 PM
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That site says, "Millipedes are very important, because they help put nutrients back in the soil for plants and other organisms to use." So I would say based on that they're a "good guy." Kind of like an earthworm.
Wise move not to mess with the millipede. This chap is quite handsome, for his type.
And he appears vain for the camera too.
If he's a millipede, he's a good guy. In my ignorance I wouldn't want to speak with authority but it's my understanding that millipedes don't bite, whereas centipedes have formidable jaws combined with venom sacs.
Did he roll up into a ball when you disturbed him? Oh, and did he emit an odor when disturbed?
Wannabe, thanks for reading aloud to me. I obviously don't read to myself very well :)
Wayne, I didn't disturb him other than to flash him (with the camera flash!). So no rolling up and no foul odor. It is common for them to curl up and to emit a foul and noxious tasting substance when disturbed, though.
I usually totally creep out at bugs - especially centipedes and millipedes but this one was just so pretty!
This one is way prettier than ours.
They emit cyanide when disturbed.
Not enough to harm you.
I have these little guys at my apartment complex. They are so pretty. I was scared of one that got in my house, but I have decided to try to keep him as a pet for a few days. He's eating on a very ripe banana. He's so cute :) Carol
YOU SHOULD HAVE PICKED IT UP!
I work at a nature park and when we are talking about bugs, I catch one and let everyone in the group hold it. People that are really scared at first see their friends try holding it, then get the courage to try, and when they do they start laughing because it tickles. For the rest of the day, they are usually less nervous about our exploring.
Next time you see one, play with it, you won't regret it.
And thanks for the link!! My park is actually not far from that school, and we may go do a program there after seeing their site.
My dad lived in Texas and he told me the ones down there do bite and their poisoning and could kill you. Not sure it's true cause dad was weirdo.lol
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