A Defensive Mechanism!

A Harpaphe haydeniana when threatened (from me trying to get it to pose for its photograph) rolls into a tight ball, the head being in the centre. After handling this millipede I did notice an almond like fragrance due to the emitted hydrogen cyanide.

comments (8)

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

Gorgeous shot! It is a pretty unpleasant scent, isn't it? Posted 6 years ago
1. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  I, myself, did not find it all that unpleasant. Not having known about the hydrogen cyanide I didn’t realize the smell was coming from the millipede. I would obviously make a very poor insectivore! Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
    
    Lion
    
    Oh really? To me the smell is quite overwhelming! :o Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. gary fast
      
      Lion
      
      Maybe I did not get enough to keep me away. If I got closer I may have. Next time... for sure! These fellows seem to be quite numerous right now so I may have to get back to you later. Posted 6 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Beautiful closeup, Gary! Posted 6 years ago
1. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you Ferdy. Wouldn’t have noticed this fellow but disturbed him taking a photo of some not so photogenic coral fungi. Posted 6 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Fabulous shot, Gary! Posted 6 years ago
1. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Christine! Posted 6 years ago

The Harpaphe haydeniana

''Harpaphe haydeniana'' is a species of polydesmidan millipede found in the moist forests along the Pacific coast of North America, from Southeast Alaska to California. The dark coloration with contrasting yellow-tipped keels warn of its ability to exude toxic hydrogen cyanide as a defense. Despite the various common names given the species, the coloration pattern, cyanide defense, and associated almond scent occur in other flat-backed millipedes around the world.

Info 4 0

Similar species: Polydesmida

Species identified by gary fast