Narceus gordanus
(Chamberlin, 1943)
Smokey Oak Millipede, Smokey Ghost Millipede
Narceus gordanus is a large spirobolid native 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 bands.
Images
Appearance
measure 60–120 mm in length and up to 13 mm in width, with 45–65 body segments. The body exhibits alternating light greenish-tan and darker tan bands, 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 organic 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 organic matter on the forest floor.
Life Cycle
Millipedes in this group live two to seven years and can produce hundreds of offspring. Young have few body segments, 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 organic matter in forest . Consumes decaying vegetation, contributing to nutrient cycling and soil formation.
Human Relevance
Defensive secretions can cause temporary, harmless skin discoloration ( burn) on human skin. Does not bite or sting. Serves as an indicator of healthy forest floor .
Similar Taxa
- Narceus americanus-annularisDarker body coloration with red legs and red bands encircling each segment; 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 millipedes 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.