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White-legged Snake Millipede

White-legged Snake Millipede ©northeastwildlife.co.uk

White-legged snake millipede

Found in compost heaps and under stones in gardens, the White-legged snake millipede is a common minibeast. Despite its name, it has about 100 legs. It is an important recycler of nutrients, feeding on decaying matter.

Scientific name

Tachypodoiulus niger

When to see

January to December

Species information

Statistics

Length: up to 6cm
Common.

About

There are a number of millipede species in the UK, the most familiar being the black, cylindrical Tachypodoiulusspecies, such as the White-legged snake millipede. This millipede can be found under rocks or in rotting trees in gardens and woodland. Millipedes are very long, many-segmented invertebrates that live in the soil, under rocks, or under the bark of trees. They are vegetarians, eating mildew and decaying vegetation, and perform a useful nutrient-recycling function in various habitats.

How to identify

The White-legged snake millipede has a shiny black, long, cylindrical body and contrasting white legs. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment of their body, whereas similar centipedes have one. The White-legged snake millipede has about 100 legs. There are many millipede species in the UK, which can be difficult to tell apart.

Distribution

Widespread.

Did you know?

White-legged snake millipedes will curl up into a ball if disturbed and can release a pungent fluid from their sides to deter predators.