Subspecies Apheloria virginiensis corrugata

Classification · Remarks

Millipede Mania - Apheloria virginiensis

Millipede out for a walk - Apheloria virginiensis

millipede in death pose - request for insight - Apheloria virginiensis

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Diplopoda (Millipedes)

Order Polydesmida

Family Xystodesmidae

Genus Apheloria

Species virginiensis (Apheloria virginiensis)

Subspecies corrugata (Apheloria virginiensis corrugata)

Remarks

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

Contributed by john and jane balaban on 6 March, 2007 - 5:25pm
Additional contributions by Lynette
Last updated 28 May, 2008 - 9:44pm

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