Millipede
Guides
Conotyla ocypetes
Conotyla ocypetes is a species of millipede in the family Conotylidae, order Chordeumatida. It was described by Shear in 1971. This species belongs to a small family of millipedes within the class Diplopoda. Very little published information exists regarding its biology or ecology.
Conotylidae
Conotylidae is a family of millipedes in the order Chordeumatida, containing approximately 19 genera and at least 60 described species. Adult members possess 30 body segments, counting the collum as the first and the telson as the last. The family exhibits its highest diversity in northwestern North America, where five of six subfamilies and ten of fourteen previously described genera occur. Several species are troglobiotic, restricted to cave environments, and some are considered climatic relicts from the Pleistocene.
Craspedosoma rawlinsii
A small European millipede in the family Craspedosomatidae, notable as the first chordeumatidan species introduced to North America. Adults reach 15–16 mm in length with 30 body segments and distinctive reddish-brown coloration with dark dorsal markings. The species exhibits extreme morphological variability, leading to the description of numerous subspecies and varieties across its range.
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.
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.
Dicellarius lamprus
Dicellarius lamprus is a species of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae. It was described by Chamberlin in 1918 and is found in North America. The species belongs to a genus of xystodesmid millipedes characterized by their flattened body form.
Eurhinocricus
Eurhinocricus is a genus of millipedes in the family Rhinocricidae, order Spirobolida. The genus was established by Brölemann in 1903. Members of this genus belong to the tropical millipede fauna, with the family Rhinocricidae being primarily distributed in the Neotropics. The genus is part of the diverse juliformian millipede radiation.
Euryuridae
Euryuridae is a family of flat-backed millipedes in the order Polydesmida. The family includes at least four genera and approximately 14 described species. Members are endemic to the Nearctic region. One well-studied species, Euryurus leachii, has been used to investigate thermal tolerance in detritivorous arthropods.
Euryurus
flat-backed millipede
Euryurus is a genus of flat-backed millipedes in the family Euryuridae, containing approximately 14 described species. These millipedes are endemic to the Nearctic region and are commonly found in forested habitats. The genus has been subject to ecological research, particularly regarding thermal tolerance in Euryurus leachii, which has a critical thermal maximum of approximately 40.5°C.
Euryurus erythropygos
Euryurus erythropygos is a North American millipede species in the family Xystodesmidae, first described by Brandt in 1839. It belongs to a genus characterized by broad, flattened bodies and distinctive coloration patterns. The species name 'erythropygos' refers to its red or reddish posterior (pygidium). Like other xystodesmid millipedes, it likely produces defensive secretions containing benzoquinones when disturbed.
Euryurus evides
Euryurus evides is a North American millipede species in the family Xystodesmidae, order Polydesmida. It belongs to a genus of flat-backed millipedes characterized by their broad, flattened bodies and distinctive color patterns. The species was described by Bollman in 1887 and is part of the tribe Euryurini within the subfamily Rhysodesminae. It is among the more frequently observed millipedes in its range, with substantial occurrence records on community science platforms.
Euryurus leachii
Leach's millipede, Log Lurker
Euryurus leachii is a flat-backed millipede in the family Euryuridae, commonly known as Leach's millipede or the Log Lurker. It is endemic to North America and is frequently encountered in forested habitats, particularly in association with decaying wood. The species has been studied for its thermal physiology, showing a critical thermal maximum of approximately 40.5°C with seasonal plasticity in heat tolerance.
Floridobolus
Florida scrub millipedes
Floridobolus is a genus of large millipedes endemic to Florida scrub habitat in peninsular Florida. The genus contains three described species: F. penneri, F. orini, and F. floydi. These millipedes are notable for their oval cross-sectional body shape, distinguishing them from the circular cross-section typical of related spirobolid millipedes. F. penneri is critically imperiled due to habitat loss and restricted range.
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.
Gosodesmus
pink feather boa millipede
Gosodesmus is a monotypic genus of platydesmidan millipedes described by Ralph V. Chamberlin in 1922. The sole species, Gosodesmus claremontus, is endemic to California and notable for its bright pink to coral coloration. The species has been the subject of chemical research following the 2020 discovery of a novel alkaloid, gosodesmine, in its defensive secretions.
Gyalostethus
Gyalostethus is a genus of flat-backed millipedes in the family Xystodesmidae, described by Hoffman in 1965. It belongs to the tribe Rhysodesmini and is part of the diverse order Polydesmida, which contains many North American millipede species. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited species-level information available.
Harpogonopus
Harpogonopus is a genus of millipedes in the family Nearctodesmidae, order Polydesmida. The genus was established by Loomis in 1960. Members of this genus belong to the flat-backed millipede group, characterized by lateral extensions (paranota) on most body segments. The genus occurs in the Nearctic region.
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.
Julida
Snake Millipedes
Julida is an order of millipedes commonly known as snake millipedes due to their long, cylindrical body form. Members typically range from 10–120 mm in length and are characterized by having two pairs of legs per body segment, a trait distinguishing them from centipedes. The order exhibits considerable diversity with 593 species recorded from Europe alone, and includes families such as Julidae, Parajulidae, Blaniulidae, and Zosteractinidae. Many species are important decomposers in forest ecosystems.
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.
Kepolydesmus
Kepolydesmus is a genus of flat-backed millipedes in the family Nearctodesmidae. The genus was established by Chamberlin in 1910 and contains at least four described species. These millipedes belong to the order Polydesmida, which is characterized by a flattened body form. The genus has been documented through iNaturalist observations and is recognized in major taxonomic databases including GBIF and NCBI.
Kepolydesmus anderisus
Kepolydesmus anderisus is a small, flat-backed millipede species first described by Chamberlin in 1910. It belongs to the family Nearctodesmidae, a group of polydesmidan millipedes characterized by relatively simple gonopod structures and North American distribution. The species was originally described as Polydesmus anderisus before being transferred to Kepolydesmus. Like other members of its family, it likely inhabits moist forest floor habitats where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Leschius
Leschius is a genus of millipedes in the family Anthroleucosomatidae, established in 2004 to accommodate Leschius mcallisteri from Washington State, USA. This genus represents the first and only North American representative of a family otherwise restricted to the Palearctic region. The genus is distinguished by morphological features including small body size, reduced segment number, and highly modified male ninth legs.
Litiulus alaskanus
Litiulus alaskanus is a small julid millipede and the sole species in the monotypic genus Litiulus. It is endemic to the northeastern Pacific region, where it inhabits old-growth rainforests. The species is notable for its specialized diet of fungal fruiting bodies and its apparent physiological tolerance for drier conditions than most sympatric millipedes.
Montaphe elrodi
Montaphe elrodi is a species of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, first described by Chamberlin in 1913 under the basionym Leptodesmus elrodi. It belongs to the order Polydesmida, a diverse group of millipedes characterized by their flattened body form. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology remain limited in published literature.
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 ohionis
Ohio Twisted-Claw
Nannaria ohionis is a species of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, first described by Loomis & Hoffman in 1948. It belongs to the genus Nannaria, commonly known as twisted-claw millipedes, characterized by modified male gonopods. The species is endemic to the Midwestern United States, with confirmed records from Ohio.
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.
Nannariini
Nannariini is a tribe of flat-backed millipedes within the family Xystodesmidae, subfamily Rhysodesminae. The tribe was established by Hoffman in 1964 and comprises several genera of small to medium-sized polydesmidan millipedes found primarily in North America. Members of this tribe are characterized by specific gonopodal modifications that distinguish them from related tribes within Rhysodesminae.
Narceus
Narceus is a genus of large cylindrical millipedes in the family Spirobolidae native to eastern North America. The genus includes some of the largest millipedes in the region, with individuals reaching up to 12 cm in length. It comprises three to four recognized species, including two Florida endemics and a widespread species complex (N. americanus/annularis) spanning eastern Canada to the southern United States. These millipedes are significant decomposers in forest ecosystems and serve as intermediate hosts for certain parasites.
Narceus americanus-annularis-complex
A species complex of large North American millipedes comprising two closely related, morphologically similar species: Narceus americanus and Narceus annularis. These are among the largest millipedes in eastern North America, reaching lengths over 100 mm. The two species are difficult to distinguish without detailed examination of gonopod morphology, leading to frequent misidentification and the recognition of this unresolved complex. They are slow-moving detritivores found in moist forest habitats.
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
Okeanobates is a genus of millipedes in the family Okeanobatidae, order Julida. It was established by Verhoeff in 1939 and is the type genus of its family. The genus has been recorded in Japan and the United States, though specific species-level information remains limited.
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.
Okeanobatidae
Okeanobatidae is a family of millipedes in the order Julida, established by Verhoeff in 1942. The family contains two genera: Okeanobates and Yosidaiulus. Records indicate presence in Japan and the United States, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Onomeris
Onomeris is a genus of pill millipedes endemic to the eastern United States. First described by Orator F. Cook in 1896, the genus was briefly considered the type of its own family Onomeridae before being placed in Glomeridae based on similarities to the European genus Glomeris. The genus contains three recognized species: O. underwoodii, O. sinuata, and O. australora. Onomeris millipedes are notably smaller than other Glomeridae genera, measuring less than 5 mm in length.
Onychelus
Onychelus is a genus of millipedes in the family Atopetholidae, established by Cook in 1904. The genus contains at least three described species: Onychelus michelbacheri, Onychelus obustus, and Onychelus suturatus. These millipedes belong to the order Spirobolida, a group of large, cylindrical millipedes commonly known as giant millipedes or round-backed millipedes.
Onychelus obustus
Onychelus obustus is a millipede species in the family Atopetholidae, described by Cook in 1904. It belongs to the order Spirobolida, a group of large, cylindrical millipedes commonly known as giant millipedes or round-backed millipedes. The species has been documented in North America, particularly in the United States.
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.
Opiona
Opiona is a genus of millipedes in the family Caseyidae, established by Chamberlin in 1951. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species. These millipedes belong to the order Chordeumatida, a group commonly known as the "snake millipedes" or "whip millipedes." The genus has been documented in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
Opiona columbiana
Opiona columbiana is a small millipede species in the family Caseyidae, described by Chamberlin in 1951. It belongs to the order Chordeumatida, a group of short-bodied millipedes commonly known as silk millipedes or bristly millipedes. The species has documented populations in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.