Species: Spotted Snake Millipede (Blaniulus guttulatus)

Family: Millipedes (BLANIULIDAE)

Category: Invertebrates (Other)

Location: Widespread

A. Invertebrates (Other)

More extensive information on invertebrates can be found in a separate blog post.

B. Millipedes (BLANIULIDAE)

This family of long, thin millipedes is characterised by the presence of distinctive spots on each segment. Some are sightless.

C. Spotted Snake Millipede (Blaniulus guttulatus)

Its white or cream-coloured body has dark red spots on each segment. It is a blind species. They coil up when disturbed, and may be found feeding inside roots, tubers, and bulbs.

Additional Information

Millipede Information

Millipedes have two pairs of jointed legs per body segment, up to 333 in number, and mostly feed on decaying plant material. Each ‘double segment’ in their cylindrical or flattened bodies, is the evolutionary result of two single segments fusing together. Pill millipedes are short and can roll their bodies into a ball. In defence, millipedes don’t bite, but secrete a pungent, toxic liquid or gas from lateral glands. They should not therefore be handled with unprotected hands or eyes. They are found in soil, leaf mould and litter, and under stones, logs, and bark, to maintain body moisture.

Images

Spotted Snake Millipede

The white or cream-coloured body of the Spotted Snake Millipede has dark red spots on each segment. It is a blind species. They coil up when disturbed, and may be found feeding inside roots, tubers, and bulbs.