Narceus gordanus
(Chamberlin, 1943)
Smokey Oak Millipede, Smokey Ghost Millipede
Narceus gordanus is a large spirobolid to the southeastern United States. It is distinguished from by its lighter coloration, shorter legs, and deeper antennal groove on the . The inhabits Florida scrub and adjacent , where it functions as a in forest . When threatened, it secretes defensive compounds and coils into a protective spiral.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Narceus gordanus: /ˈnɑr.si.əs ɡɔrˈdæn.əs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Narceus by its paler, more contrasting color pattern (light greenish-tan alternating with darker tan), proportionally shorter legs, and the notably deeper groove on the where rest. The lighter coloration matches sandy substrates in Florida scrub . N. americanus-annularis is darker with red legs and red body .
Images
Appearance
measure 60–120 mm in length and up to 13 mm in width, with 45–65 body . The body exhibits alternating light greenish-tan and darker tan , producing a lighter overall coloration than other Narceus . Legs are shorter relative to body size compared to . The possesses a deeper groove in which the rest.
Habitat
Florida scrub in peninsular Florida; also occurs in forested areas with sandy soils. The ' coloration matches sand in some Florida habitats. Found in leaf litter and decaying matter on forest floors.
Distribution
Southeastern United States: peninsular Florida north to South Carolina, with possible records in Tennessee. GBIF records confirm presence in Florida and broader North America.
Diet
Decaying leaves, wood, and other detritus. Functions as a , consuming matter on the forest floor.
Life Cycle
in this group live two to seven years and can produce hundreds of offspring. Young have few body , each bearing one pair of legs; additional segments with two pairs of legs each are added through molting during growth.
Behavior
Primarily . When disturbed, secretes a foul-smelling, foul-tasting defensive fluid from glands along the body margins and coils into a defensive spiral to protect the underbelly and . Defensive secretions can cause harmless skin discoloration ( burn) upon contact with human skin.
Ecological Role
and recycler of matter in forest . Consumes decaying vegetation, contributing to and soil formation.
Human Relevance
Defensive secretions can cause temporary, harmless skin discoloration ( burn) on human skin. Does not bite or . Serves as an indicator of healthy forest floor .
Similar Taxa
- Narceus americanus-annularisDarker body coloration with red legs and red encircling each ; lacks the lighter greenish-tan and darker tan banding of N. gordanus
More Details
Chemical Defense
The defensive secretion contains benzoquinones, which are acrid and foul-smelling. Related in the Apheloria produce benzaldehyde (almond odor) and hydrogen cyanide, though the specific composition of N. gordanus secretions has not been chemically characterized in the provided sources.