Types Of Millipede: A Friendly Guide To These Many-Legged Wonders
Have you ever lifted a log in the woods and watched a long, shiny creature uncoil and slowly glide away on what looks like a hundred tiny legs?
Or maybe you have seen one curled into a perfect little armored ball in your garden? Those are millipedes, and they are much more diverse than most people realize.
There are over 12,000 known species of millipedes worldwide, and likely thousands more waiting to be discovered.
They come in every shape, size, and color imaginable: some are tiny and delicate, others grow longer than your forearm, some glow in the dark, and a few can even release a defensive spray that smells like almonds.
In this warm, easy-to-read guide, we will walk through the major types of millipedes you are most likely to meet, what makes each one special, and why they are such important (and harmless) members of the natural world.
What Makes a Millipede a Millipede?
Millipedes belong to the class Diplopoda, which means “double legs” in Greek. Almost every body segment carries two pairs of legs; that is where the “thousand legs” nickname comes from (though most have far fewer, usually 100 to 400).
They are detritivores, meaning they eat decaying plant matter, fungi, and organic debris, helping recycle nutrients back into the soil.
Unlike centipedes, millipedes are slow-moving, non-venomous, and almost always harmless to humans.
Most curl into a tight spiral or ball when threatened, and many release a foul-smelling chemical defense that irritates predators (but rarely hurts people).
Read also: Millipede vs Centipede: Researched Facts, Observation and Difference
What are the Major Types of Millipedes?
Scientists organize millipedes into about 16 orders, but just a few contain the species most people ever encounter. Here are the ones you are most likely to meet in North America, Europe, and beyond:
Polydesmida
These are the most common millipedes you will find under logs and rocks. They have wide, flattened bodies that look almost like armored barges, making them excellent at squeezing into tight spaces.
Many release a defensive chemical that smells like cherries or almonds. Colors range from brown to red to striking yellow and black patterns.
Julida
These are the long, round-bodied millipedes most people picture when they think of the classic “thousand-legger.”
They are usually dark brown or black, and they curl into tight spirals when disturbed. Common in gardens, forests, and compost piles across North America and Europe.
Sphaerotheriida & Glomerida
These are the adorable ones that roll into a perfect, shiny ball when touched, almost like living armadillos.
The giant pill millipedes (Sphaerotheriida) from Africa and India can reach the size of a tennis ball, while the smaller Glomerida are more common in temperate regions.
They are harmless and often brightly colored.
Spirobolida
Long, thick-bodied species found mostly in warm climates. Some reach over 30 cm (12 inches) and can release a powerful defensive spray that may stain skin or irritate eyes.
They are often brightly colored, orange, red, or purple, and make popular (though advanced) pets.
Fun Facts About Millipede Variety
- The longest known millipede is the African giant black millipede, reaching over 38 cm (15 inches).
- Some tropical species glow in the dark (bioluminescence) as a warning to predators.
- Millipedes can have anywhere from 36 to over 750 legs, depending on species and age.
- Most millipedes are detritivores, but a few tropical species are omnivorous and will eat small insects.
How to Tell Millipedes Apart From Centipedes
| Feature | Millipede | Centipede |
|---|---|---|
| Legs per segment | Two pairs | One pair |
| Speed | Slow-moving | Very fast |
| Defense | Curl into a ball, chemical spray | Bite (venomous) |
| Body shape | Round or flat, many legs | Flattened, fewer legs |
Why Do Millipedes Matter in Your Yard?
Millipedes are nature’s cleanup crew. They eat decaying leaves, wood, and organic matter, breaking them down and returning nutrients to the soil.
They are completely harmless to humans and pets; they do not bite, and their defensive chemicals are irritating at worst (like a mild chili oil on skin).
If you see millipedes in your yard, consider them a sign of healthy soil, as they are doing important work!
Read also: How to Get Rid of Millipedes Indoors
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Legs Do Millipedes Really Have?
Most have between 100 and 400 legs. The record is over 750 in some tropical species.
Are Millipedes Dangerous?
No, they do not bite humans or pets. Some release a defensive chemical that can irritate skin or eyes, but it’s harmless and washes off easily.
Do all Millipedes Curl into a Ball?
No, only certain groups like pill millipedes and some polydesmids do. Many just coil into a spiral.
Can Millipedes Live as Pets?
Yes! Giant African millipedes and ivory millipedes are popular, easy-to-care-for pets.
Why are Some Millipedes Brightly Colored?
Bright colors are usually a warning to predators that they taste bad or release irritating chemicals.
Conclusion
So there you have it; millipedes are not just one boring, many-legged creature. They are a whole diverse family: flat-backed cruisers, classic coilers, perfect-rolling pills, and tropical giants, each with its own special style and survival tricks.
They quietly do the essential work of turning dead leaves and wood back into rich soil, keeping forests and gardens healthy without ever asking for thanks.
Next time you spot one gliding under a log or rolling up tight when you lift a rock, take a second to appreciate the little ecosystem engineer in front of you.
What about you? Which type of millipede fascinates you the most, the ones that curl into perfect balls, the long tropical giants, or the colorful flat-backs? I’d love to hear your thoughts via the comments section below.
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