Diplopoda
Guides
Abacion
Brown Crested Millipedes, Crested Millipedes
Abacion is a genus of large, dark brown crested millipedes in the family Abacionidae, order Callipodida. The genus comprises approximately 10 described species distributed in North America. Members are characterized by prominent dorsal crests on their body segments, a distinctive feature of the group. The genus was established by Rafinesque in 1820 and represents one of the more conspicuous millipede taxa in its range due to its size and crested appearance.
Austrotyla stephensoni
Austrotyla stephensoni is a species of millipede in the family Conotylidae, described by Shear & Steinmann in 2013. It belongs to the order Chordeumatida, a group of small to medium-sized millipedes commonly known as silk-spinning or short-back millipedes. The genus Austrotyla is endemic to the southern Appalachian region of the United States. This species appears to be rare and poorly known, with limited observational records.
Blaniulidae
Thin Snake Millipedes
Blaniulidae is a family of julid millipedes characterized by extremely elongated, slender bodies with length-to-width ratios reaching 30:1. Members possess distinctive ozadenes (odiferous defensive glands) visible as spots on each segment, and may have eyes present or absent depending on species. The family exhibits diverse habitat preferences including leaf litter, soil, caves, and synanthropic environments. Several genera contain troglobitic species restricted to subterranean habitats, while others are widespread across Europe and have been introduced to other continents.
Boraria infesta
Boraria infesta is a species of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, native to southeastern North America. It belongs to a group of polydesmidan millipedes that produce hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense and display aposematic coloration warning predators of their toxicity. The species is part of a genus closely related to other cyanide-producing millipedes including Apheloria and Pleuroloma.
Brachycybe petasata
Brachycybe petasata is a small millipede in the order Platydesmida, endemic to the southern Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States. It inhabits moist forest floor habitats, particularly leaf litter and decaying wood in beech, birch, maple, and hemlock forests. The species is distinguished by its production of four unique monoterpene alkaloids as chemical defenses: gosodesmine, hydrogosodesmine, homogosodesmine, and hydrohomogosodesmine. As a member of the subterclass Colobognatha, it represents one of the few millipede lineages known to synthesize terpenoid alkaloids.
Californiulus chamberlini
Californiulus chamberlini is a species of millipede in the family Paeromopodidae, native to western North America. It is one of several species within the genus Californiulus, which is endemic to California and adjacent regions. Like other members of its family, it possesses the elongated, cylindrical body form typical of juliform millipedes. The species was described by Brölemann in 1922.
Cambala minor
Amber Ridged Millipede
Cambala minor is a species of millipede in the family Cambalidae, described by Bollman in 1888. It is known from North America, where it inhabits forest floor environments. As a member of the order Spirostreptida, it belongs to a group of large-bodied millipedes characterized by cylindrical bodies and numerous segments.
Chordeumatida
Sausage Millipedes, Spinning Millipedes
Chordeumatida is a large order of millipedes containing over 1,100 species, commonly known as sausage millipedes or spinning millipedes. Members of this order are distinguished by their teloanamorphic development—adding segments through molts until reaching a fixed adult number, after which molting ceases. They are notable for possessing spinnerets on their telsons that produce silk used to construct protective chambers for molting and egg-laying. The order exhibits considerable morphological diversity, with species ranging from 3.5 to 42 mm in length and displaying both cylindrical and flat-backed body forms.
Comanchelus
Comanchelus is a genus of millipedes in the family Atopetholidae, order Spirobolida. It was described by Hoffman and Orcutt in 1960. The genus belongs to the subfamily Eurelinae and is native to North America, with species documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members of this genus are cylindrical, relatively large-bodied millipedes characteristic of the spirobolid group.
Craspedosomatidae
Craspedosomatidae is a family of millipedes in the order Chordeumatida. The family contains at least 30 genera and approximately 210 described species. Adult individuals typically possess 30 body segments (counting the collum and telson), though some species have 28. Members of this family are known for complex male genitalia involved in sperm transfer during mating.
Furcillaria
Furcillaria is a genus of flat-backed millipedes established by Shelley in 1981 within the family Xystodesmidae. It originally comprised four species from the eastern United States: Furcillaria aequalis, F. convoluta, F. laminata, and F. thrinax. In 2021, taxonomic authorities reevaluated the genus and deemed it a junior synonym of Sigmoria, a decision now reflected in major databases such as the Catalogue of Life. Some sources, including GBIF and NCBI, continue to list Furcillaria as accepted, reflecting ongoing taxonomic debate or lag in database updates. The genus belongs to the tribe Apheloriini, a group of xystodesmid millipedes characterized by complex gonopod morphology.
Glomeridae
pill millipedes
Glomeridae is a family of pill millipedes in the order Glomerida, comprising over 300 species distributed among approximately 30 genera. Members are characterized by their ability to conglobate (roll into a complete sphere) as a defensive mechanism. The family has a primarily Palearctic distribution with significant diversity in Southeast Asia, and includes both surface-dwelling and cavernicolous species. Many species remain undescribed, particularly in tropical regions.
Glomeroides primus
California Pill Millipede
Glomeroides primus is a pill millipede species in the family Protoglomeridae, native to western North America. It is one of the few pill millipede species found in the Nearctic region, where it occupies a restricted range centered on California. The species was originally described by Silvestri in 1929 under the basionym Apiomeris prima. Like other members of Glomerida, it has the ability to conglobate (roll into a complete ball) as a defensive adaptation. The genus Glomeroides represents an ancient lineage within the Oniscomorpha, the clade containing all pill millipedes.
Ischnocybe plicata
Ischnocybe plicata is a species of millipede in the family Andrognathidae, order Platydesmida. It was described by Cook & Loomis in 1928. The species belongs to the suborder Colobognatha, a group characterized by reduced mouthparts and simplified body structures. Like other platydesmidans, it likely inhabits moist forest environments and feeds on decaying organic matter.
Myrmecodesmus
A genus of small-bodied polydesmid millipedes in the family Pyrgodesmidae. Established by Silvestri in 1910 with a myrmecophilous species from central Veracruz, Mexico. The genus has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, with numerous genera synonymized under it by Shear (1977). Currently includes at least 28 species distributed from Mexico through South America and into the Caribbean.
Nannaria
Twisted-Claw Millipedes
Nannaria is a genus of small-bodied millipedes in the family Xystodesmidae, commonly known as twisted-claw millipedes. First described by Ralph Chamberlin in 1918, it is now the largest genus in its family with 78 described species following major revisions in 2022. The genus comprises two monophyletic species groups: the widespread minor group found throughout eastern North America, and the wilsoni group restricted to the Appalachian Mountains. Unlike many colorful, flat-backed xystodesmids, Nannaria species are cryptic in appearance and exhibit subterranean behavior that makes them difficult to collect.
Nannaria cingulata
Swamp-Dwelling Twisted-Claw Millipede
Nannaria cingulata is a species of twisted-claw millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, described in 2021 from the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States. The species belongs to a genus of small, soil-dwelling millipedes that are cryptic and difficult to collect. Like other members of its genus, it plays a role as a decomposer in forest ecosystems. The specific epithet refers to a banded or girdled appearance.
Nannaria hardeni
Curt Harden's Twisted-Claw Millipede
Nannaria hardeni is a species of twisted-claw millipede described in 2021 from the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States. It belongs to the genus Nannaria, a group of forest-dwelling millipedes characterized by males having small, twisted and flattened claws on their anterior legs. The species was named in honor of Curt Harden, a millipede researcher who contributed significantly to the study of Appalachian xystodesmid millipedes. Like other members of its genus, N. hardeni plays a role as a decomposer in forest ecosystems.
Nannaria terricola
Loam-dwelling Twisted-Claw
Nannaria terricola is a flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmida, characterized by its loam-dwelling habits and the distinctive twisted, flattened claws on the anterior legs of males. The species is found in the Great Lakes region of the United States. Like other members of the genus Nannaria, it plays a role as a decomposer in forest ecosystems. The species was originally described as Fontaria terricola by Williams & Hefner in 1928 before being transferred to Nannaria.
Nearctodesmus
Nearctodesmus is a genus of small millipedes in the order Polydesmida, family Nearctodesmidae. These millipedes are characterized by their flattened bodies and reduced segmentation. The genus was established by Silvestri in 1910 and is primarily distributed in the Nearctic region. Members of this genus are part of the diverse soil fauna and contribute to decomposition processes in forest ecosystems.
Ochrogramma bentona
Ochrogramma bentona is a millipede species in the family Caseyidae, order Chordeumatida. It was described by Chamberlin in 1952. The species is known from North America and belongs to a group of small-bodied millipedes commonly called "snake millipedes" or "bristly millipedes" due to their elongated, slender form and setose bodies. Like other chordeumatidans, it likely inhabits moist forest floor habitats.
Okeanobates americanus
A small millipede species in the family Okeanobatidae, described from North America. The family Okeanobatidae is a small group of juliform millipedes with limited documented natural history. The specific epithet 'americanus' indicates its occurrence in the Americas.
Oxidus gracilis
Greenhouse Millipede, Hothouse Millipede, Short-flange Millipede, Garden Millipede
Oxidus gracilis is a widely introduced millipede species in the family Paradoxosomatidae, native to Asia but established globally including North America, South America, Europe, and Pacific islands. It is commonly known as the greenhouse millipede due to its frequent occurrence in artificial environments. The species exhibits innate congregating behavior toward food resources and demonstrates generalist habitat use with no strong association to specific soil moisture, leaf litter, or rock cover conditions. It has been studied as a potential bioindicator for environmental pollution due to characteristic internal element composition.
Paradoxosomatidae
flat-backed millipedes
Paradoxosomatidae is the largest family of flat-backed millipedes, containing nearly 200 genera and approximately 975 species as of 2013. It is the sole family in the suborder Paradoxosomatidea. Members are distinguished by dorsal grooves on most body segments and a dumb-bell shaped gonopod aperture in males. The family includes notable groups such as the dragon millipedes of Southeast Asia and the widely introduced greenhouse millipede Oxidus gracilis.
Petaserpes cryptocephalus
Slug Millipede
Petaserpes cryptocephalus is a millipede species in the family Polyzoniidae, commonly known as the slug millipede. It is found in North America, with records from Vermont and other parts of the United States. The species belongs to the order Polyzoniida, a group of small, flattened millipedes sometimes referred to as "slug millipedes" due to their distinctive body form.
Polydesmidae
flat-backed millipedes, tractor millipedes
Polydesmidae is a family of millipedes in the order Polydesmida comprising over 240 species across more than 30 genera. These millipedes are characterized by their flattened, plate-like dorsal exoskeletons that give them the common name "flat-backed millipedes." They range from 4 mm to 30 mm in length and display coloration from black through brownish to pallid, rarely vivid. The family has a predominantly Holarctic distribution extending to Mexico, North Africa, and Java, with highest diversity in the Mediterranean region. Several species exhibit notable biological traits, including sexual dimorphism in segment number and chemical defense secretions.
Ptyoiulus impressus
Flocculent Tailed Millipede
Ptyoiulus impressus is a species of millipede in the family Parajulidae, commonly known as the Flocculent Tailed Millipede. It was described by Thomas Say in 1821 and is found in North America. The species belongs to the order Julida, which contains many common cylindrical millipedes. As a member of the Ptyoiulinae subfamily, it shares characteristics with other Parajulidae including relatively elongated bodies and typical juliform morphology.
Rhinocricidae
Rhinocricidae is a family of millipedes in the order Spirobolida, established by Brölemann in 1913. The family exhibits a disjunct distribution pattern, occurring in Malesia and neighboring parts of Australasia as well as in the Neotropics. It is one of the most species-rich millipede families, with over 500 nominal species classified into 27 genera and 3 subgenera. Members are characterized by their cylindrical body form typical of spirobolidan millipedes and possess well-developed chemical defense systems.
Sigmoria aequalis
Sigmoria aequalis is a species of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, described by Shelley in 1981. It belongs to the order Polydesmida, a large and diverse group of millipedes characterized by their flattened body form. The genus Sigmoria is part of the tribe Apheloriini within the subfamily Rhysodesminae, a predominantly North American lineage of xystodesmid millipedes.
Spirobolidae
Spirobolid Millipedes
Spirobolidae is a family of large, cylindrical millipedes in the order Spirobolida, distributed across tropical and temperate regions worldwide. The family is divided into two subfamilies: Spirobolinae and Tylobolinae. Members of this family include well-known genera such as Narceus in North America, Spirobolus in Asia, and Chicobolus in the southeastern United States. Several species serve as intermediate hosts for parasitic acanthocephalans.
Spirostreptida
Spirostreptida is an order of large, cylindrical millipedes containing approximately 1000 described species, making it the third largest order of millipedes. Members are characterized by their elongated bodies with 30 to 90 body rings and generally large size, including the longest known millipedes such as the giant African millipedes of genus Archispirostreptus, which may exceed 30 cm. The order is divided into two suborders, Cambalidea and Spirostreptidea, with most species occurring in tropical and subtropical regions. Spirostreptida are primarily soil-dwelling detritivores, though some species inhabit caves.
Striaria
Striaria is a genus of millipedes in the family Striariidae, order Chordeumatida. The genus was established by Bollman in 1888. These small, eyeless millipedes are part of the diverse soil-dwelling fauna of temperate forests. The name Striaria is also used for a genus of brown algae (Phaeophyceae), but this represents a separate taxonomic entity in a different kingdom.
Tidesmus
Tidesmus is a genus of small-bodied millipedes in the family Macrosternodesmidae, order Polydesmida. The genus was revised in 2007, with Phreatodesmus and Oodedesmus synonymized under it. It currently contains four valid species distributed in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The type species is T. episcopus Chamberlin, 1943.
Trichopetalidae
Trichopetalidae is a family of small millipedes in the order Chordeumatida. Adults possess 28 or 30 body segments, counting the collum as the first and the telson as the last. The family comprises seven genera and approximately 43 species, with members exhibiting diverse ecological strategies ranging from surface-dwelling to obligate cave-dwelling (troglobitic) lifestyles.
Trichopetalum
A genus of millipedes in the family Trichopetalidae, order Chordeumatida. Contains seven described species, all surface-dwelling or troglophilic. The genus is notable for the first documented authentic chordeumatidan spermatophores and the production of a sticky defensive secretion from segmental setae bases. Species occur in North America, primarily the United States.
Trigoniulidae
round-backed millipedes
Trigoniulidae is a family of round-backed millipedes in the order Spirobolida, comprising approximately 171 species across 25 genera. The family was established by Attems in 1909. Members are found in tropical and subtropical regions where they inhabit leaf litter and soil environments. Population studies of at least one species, Trigoniulus lumbricinus, indicate seasonal fluctuations correlated with rainfall patterns.
Trigoniulus
Asian millipede (informal, for T. corallinus)
Trigoniulus is a genus of millipedes in the family Trigoniulidae, established by Pocock in 1894. The genus contains at least 90 described species distributed primarily across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Species such as Trigoniulus corallinus and T. lumbricinus have been studied for their population ecology, revealing seasonal abundance patterns correlated with rainfall and temperature. The genus serves as a host for gut-associated microbes, including bacteria isolated from decaying plant habitats.
Underwoodia iuloides
Underwoodia iuloides is a millipede species in the family Caseyidae. It is one of three species in the genus Underwoodia, which exhibits a Holarctic distribution pattern. The species is characterized by specific configurations of the anterior gonopod colpocoxites, particularly branches a and c. Populations show a strongly female-biased sex ratio, suggesting parthenogenesis.