Julidae
Guides
Cylindroiulus
Cylindroiulus is a genus of cylindrical millipedes in the family Julidae, established by Verhoeff in 1894. Species in this genus are characterized by their smooth, rounded bodies and are primarily distributed across Europe. The genus includes notable species such as Cylindroiulus punctatus, which has been sequenced for genomic studies, and Cylindroiulus nitidus, which has been studied for its life-history dynamics in woodland habitats. Members are typically found in forest floor environments, including decaying wood and soil.
Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus
Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus is a julid millipede native to northern Europe that has been introduced to North America and is now widespread there. It reaches up to 30 mm in length and is distinguished by a smooth, flat telson rather than a projecting one. The species is common in urban and semi-natural habitats including parks, gardens, and grasslands. Activity peaks in spring and fall, with reduced presence in summer and winter.
Cylindroiulus punctatus
blunt-tailed snake millipede
Cylindroiulus punctatus, commonly called the blunt-tailed snake millipede, is a widespread European millipede in the family Julidae. It is the most commonly recorded millipede in Britain and Ireland, strongly associated with woodland habitats where it feeds on decaying wood and leaf litter. The species exhibits seasonal vertical migration, overwintering in soil and moving to litter and logs during warmer months, with individuals sometimes found metres above ground in trees during summer. It takes three years to reach sexual maturity and can live for several additional breeding years. The species has been introduced to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in North America.
Julus
Julus is a genus of millipedes in the family Julidae, order Julida. First described by Linnaeus in 1758, it is one of the most historically significant millipede genera. Species occur across Eurasia, with documented populations in the Caucasus, Siberia, and Scandinavia. The genus exhibits notable morphological diversity, particularly in male genital structures and gnathochilarium characteristics.
Julus scandinavius
Julus scandinavius is a millipede species in the family Julidae, described by Latzel in 1884. It is distributed across much of western and central Europe, extending into Scandinavia. The species has been studied for its behavioral preferences regarding leaf litter composition.
Ophyiulus pilosus
Furry Snake Millipede
Ophyiulus pilosus is a millipede species in the family Julidae, commonly known as the Furry Snake Millipede. Native to North America, it has been introduced to New Zealand. The species is notable for its association with a Rickettsia-like organism (RLO) observed in its intestinal epithelium, representing one of the few documented cases of such bacterial associations in millipedes. Four subspecies are recognized: O. p. brevispinosus, O. p. etruscus, O. p. major, and O. p. populi.