MILLIPEDES

Biology

• Length: 1 to 1 ½ inches
• Brownish in color
• Fertilization is internal.
• Lifetime includes 7-10 molts; after each molt, number of segments and legs increase.
• Two pairs of legs are found on each body segment.
• Nocturnal

Distribution/Habits

• Millipedes live outdoors, but can be found indoors if conditions outside are not favorable.
• They can be found on basement floors, or crawling up walls.
• They feed on decaying wood and any type of vegetable matter.
• Millipedes are slow, crawling insects that hide during the day under objects in damp soil.
• Protect themselves using a gland that secretes an unpleasant odor
• Some species have a gland that secretes a mixture of chemicals. This mixture is not toxic to humans, but may result in skin blistering.