Millipedes in the Pacific Northwest

Millipede

Harpaphe haydeniana

Millipede from McCord Creek..........early August, 1998.

Millipede coiled up in defensive posture, from McCord Creek..........early August, 1998.

The millipede known as Haraphe haydeniana is a millipede with a flattened body. It reaches a maximum length of 40 mm and 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.

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. As with other millipedes, Haraphe haydeniana is a vegetarian and scavenger. It tends to live in moist forests.

Paul Slichter