Flat-backed Millipede (Male) - Apheloria virginiensis
I enjoy seeing these gorgeous millipedes and thought it would be fun to try to determine sex. I think this is a male and that the structure between its 3rd and 4th pairs of legs are gonopores.
**NOTE: This species secretes cyanide as a defense mechanism. Cyanide is poisonous and can cause extreme irritation if rubbed in the eyes. You should not touch them. Clearly, I handled it to get this photo, but I do not recommend that anyone handles them, i.e. don't follow my example.
Habitat: Moist forest
''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.
