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Flat-backed Millipede - Apheloria virginiensis Habitat: Mixed forest Apheloria virginiensis,Fall,Geotagged,United States,apheloria,millipede Click/tap to enlarge Promoted

Flat-backed Millipede - Apheloria virginiensis

Habitat: Mixed forest

    comments (2)

  1. View Paul Dirksen's profile
    Paul Dirksen
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Very nice, don't know why, but somehow I'm fascinated bij these little creepers. Posted 5 years ago
    1. View Christine Young's profile
      Christine Young
      Lion
      View Lion class
      Thanks! I find them interesting as well. Although, I tend to love "creepy crawlies", in general.

      My favorite local millipede:
      American Giant Millipede Large, cylindrical millipede that was 8 cm long! This species can grow to be about twice as large (10cm) as any other millipede that lives in North America. They curl up into a spiral when threatened. They have two pairs of legs on most body segments, and are gray/black with red lines on the edge of each segment. Millipedes have spiracles on their body segments, which are connected both to their respiratory systems and to pairs of ozadenes (stink glands). These ozadenes can release noxious substances, which may cause serious chemical burns. However. unlike many other millipedes, the North American Millipede doesn't release hydrogen cyanide. They do however, excrete a substance that causes a temporary discoloration of the skin. They do not bite, and their only defense is their secretions. American Giant Millipede,Geotagged,Millipede,Narceus americanus,Summer,United States
       Posted 5 years ago, modified 5 years ago

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The Apheloria virginiensis

''Apheloria virginiensis'' is a large North American millipede. It is reported to secrete cyanide compounds as a defense. It is recommended that one wash hands after handling this organism as the toxic compounds it secretes are poisonous and can cause extreme irritation if rubbed in the eyes.

Info 10 0
Similar species: Polydesmida
Species identified by Christine Young
View Christine Young's profile

By Christine Young

All rights reserved
Uploaded Apr 17, 2020. Captured Oct 6, 2019 10:58 in 91 Main St, Sharon, CT 06069, USA.
country flag of United States of America Explore United States of America 39,948 9,641 8
  • Canon EOS 80D
  • f/4.5
  • 1/64s
  • ISO400
  • 100mm
Captured in the fall. More fall photos.