Blaniulus guttulatus
(Fabricius, 1798)
Spotted Snake Millipede
Blaniulus guttulatus, the spotted snake , is a small, eyeless millipede to Central and Western Europe that has been widely to North America, Australia, and remote Atlantic islands. It is characterized by its slender, pale body with distinctive red (defensive glands) on each . The thrives in anthropogenic and can become an agricultural pest, particularly during drought conditions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Blaniulus guttulatus: //bləˈniː.jʊ.ləs ˌɡʌt.jʊˈleɪ.təs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other European julid by the combination of: complete absence of ; extremely slender, thread-like body; and prominent red on every . Similar in the Blaniulus and Blaniulidae may share the eyeless condition and pale coloration, but B. guttulatus is specifically identified by the consistent presence of conspicuous red ozadenes. The range in North America and Australia helps narrow identification in those regions.
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Habitat
Common in gardens, cultivated areas, and agricultural fields. Thrives in disturbed, anthropogenic environments. Becomes more problematic as a pest during prolonged drought conditions.
Distribution
to Central and Western Europe (excluding Portugal). to: United States, Canada, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha, Tasmania, and Norfolk Island (Australia). Records also confirmed from the Azores (Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico).
Diet
Feeds on sugar beets and other plants. Specific dietary breadth beyond cultivated crops is not well documented.
Life Cycle
Spends 3 years as a before reaching maturity. Males mature at an earlier developmental stage than females.
Human Relevance
Agricultural pest of sugar beets and other , with damage exacerbated during prolonged drought conditions. Common in gardens and cultivated areas across its range.
Similar Taxa
- Other Blaniulidae speciesShare eyeless condition and pale coloration, but B. guttulatus is distinguished by conspicuous red on every
More Details
Nomenclature
Originally described as Julus guttulatus by Fabricius in 1798; transferred to Blaniulus. The specific epithet 'guttulatus' refers to the small spotted (guttulate) appearance of the .