MILLIPEDES
Biology
- Length: 1 to 1 ½ inches
- Brownish in color
- Fertilization is internal.
- Lifetime includes 7-10 molts; after each molt, number of segments and legs increase.
- Two pairs of legs are found on each body segment.
- Nocturnal
Distribution/Habits
- Millipedes live outdoors, but can be found indoors if conditions outside are not favorable.
- They can be found on basement floors, or crawling up walls.
- They feed on decaying wood and any type of vegetable matter.
- Millipedes are slow, crawling insects that hide during the day under objects in damp soil.
- Protect themselves using a gland that secretes an unpleasant odor
- Some species have a gland that secretes a mixture of chemicals. This mixture is not toxic to humans, but may result in skin blistering.
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