Identification
A millipede with a flattened body. It has a shiny black body with bright yellow patches on the outside portion of most segements. As with other millipedes, this millipede has two pairs of legs per body segment. Their movement is fairly slow. (1)
Habitat
It tends to live in moist forests. (1)
Food
As with other millipedes, Haraphe haydeniana is a vegetarian and scavenger. (1)
Remarks
This particular millipede secretes a dark fluid that has an odor similar to the almond extract used in cooking. Apparently this is a defensive manuveur. Millipedes also curl up in tight coils when threatened. (1)
Caution: Many millipedes with bright color patterns secrete a compound containing cyanide. Wash your hands after handling them and do not allow children to pick them up.
"Millipedes are entirely non-toxic to humans and can be picked up by hand. Some secretions discolor the skin, but this wears away in a few days without lasting effect. Some large, cylindrical, tropical species squirt their defensive secretions up to a half meter (2-3 feet) and can blind chickens and dogs. Their fluids are painful if they get into the eyes, and persons working with tropical millipedes should be suitably cautious." ~Rowland Shelley
Harpaphe is in the tribe Xystodesmini.
