Millipedes

Where they live:

Millipedes live in groups under leaf litter, mulch, tree bark, flower pots, damp stones, and in deep soil. Wherever there is sufficient moisture and dark, they can survive.

Sometimes after rains or during cold weather, large numbers of millipedes may enter into buildings. They can climb walls and entering through any small opening.

What they eat:

Millipedes are scavengers, feeding on decaying organic matter (rotted leaves, grass). Sometimes they feed on roots and plant parts

How they protect themselves:

Millipedes use their stink glands at the sides of their bodies. Millipedes coil up tightly when disturbed.

How they move:

Millipedes crawl with their legs. They have segments and most segments have two pairs of legs.

How they grow:

Most millipedes are born with only three legs. They grow to adult size by going through molts. After every molt they add a few pairs of legs.

Their enemies:

Before they go into a molt, they must hide somewhere safe because they can be attacked during molts. Birds, ants, frogs, lizards, and many other animals and insects.

Other things:

They are hard-shelled, worm-like animals with many segments. The adults are 1 – 2 inches long and are brown, tan or gray.