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Flat-backed Millipede

Polydesmida

Photo by mary.gallo.m
Published on Project Noah
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38.5457, -79.8251

Field Notes

Description:

Polydesmida--flat-backed millipedes. A very common millipede and one of the largest of the 10 families found in North America. The only millipede that produces cyanide as a defense. Very common in leaf litter, where they burrow by levering with the anterior end of the body. Has 18 to 22 body rings. Colors can be red, yellow, orange and black.

Habitat:

On a bike path in the woods of Durbin, West Virginia

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (9)
Latimeria
Pseudopolydesmus sp., probably P. canadensis.
mary.gallo.m
Thank you AshleyT for your expertise in correctly identifying this flat-backed millipede.
AshleyT
Millipede in the order Polydesmida, known as flat-backed millipedes. http://bugguide.net/node/view/5251
mary.gallo.m
Could not find a clear website link for this spotting. thanks everyone for your help.
MrsPbio
I'm making an educated guess about the genus... please refer to the website link I gave in my ID post. If I'm wrong, feel free to disagree! :)

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Wildlife of Northeastern USA
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Mission WILD
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The Bug Chicks Sofa Safari
Photographed
PublishedSeptember 25, 2014

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