Animal Profiles
Millipedes

Millipede

Diplopoda

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Millipedes are important recyclers of leaf litter. This account follows Narceus americanus as treated in the cited source, which notes uncertainty within this North American species group.

Narceus americanus, the representative described in this account.

Narceus americanus, the representative described in this account.

David Hill · CC BY

At a glance

Location
These millipedes occupy humid forest-floor habitats in eastern North America.
Habitat
Temperate forest
Diet
Detritivore
Food
Decaying leaves and wood supply most food.

Classification

Common name
Millipede
Browse group
Millipedes
Scientific name or taxon
Diplopoda
Taxon rank
class
Source classification
Diplopoda

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Most trunk rings carry two leg pairs.
  • It eats decaying plant material.
  • It needs humid shelter.

Habitat and range

These millipedes occupy humid forest-floor habitats in eastern North America. Fallen leaves, logs and stones provide shelter; moisture is essential because they lose water readily.

Appearance and adaptations

The long, rounded body has many rings. Most trunk rings carry two pairs of legs, whose coordinated movements form waves along the animal's sides.

Diet and behaviour

Decaying leaves and wood supply most food. Activity is usually greatest at night, and sheltered damp sites are used for molting. These habits differ from the predatory feeding of centipedes.

Sources

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