This is a garden millipede, also known as the greenhouse millipede (Oxidus gracilis). Although they aren’t native, they’re extremely common in the United States – anyone who’s gone looking for a millipede has most certainly seen one of this species.
Millipedes are detritivores, also known as mulch munchers! They subsist on dead leaves and plant material. Many millipedes — including this species — can secrete cyanide gas when they’re alarmed as a defense mechanism. #metal #supercool
To learn more about these incredible creatures (and other mulch munchers!), check out this episode I wrote and co-hosted for PBS Digital Studios: These death-eating scavengers are real life-savers
This is a garden millipede, also known as the greenhouse millipede (Oxidus gracilis). Although they aren’t native, they’re extremely common in the United States – anyone who’s gone looking for a millipede has most certainly seen one of this species.
Millipedes are detritivores, also known as mulch munchers! They subsist on dead leaves and plant material. Many millipedes — including this species — can secrete cyanide gas when they’re alarmed as a defense mechanism. #metal #supercool
To learn more about these incredible creatures (and other mulch munchers!), check out this episode I wrote and co-hosted for PBS Digital Studios: These death-eating scavengers are real life-savers
