desert millipede
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| desert millipede (Orthoperus ornatus) |
Millipedes have long, cylindrical bodies with 2 pairs of legs on each segment. New segments and pairs of legs are added each time the millipede sheds. Since it continues to grow and shed throughout its lifetime, it’s impossible to say how many legs a millipede has without counting. The common millipede in southern Arizona is a dark reddish brown, but millipedes in other areas may be tan to golden brown. Most desert millipedes are 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) long.
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History:
They are good burrowers and spend most of their time underground. If disturbed, the millipede rolls into a coil. If further threatened, it exudes foul-tasting chemicals from openings along the sides of its body. These noxious substances are the millipede’s only defense, since it doesn’t bite. |
Life Span:
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Size:
4 to 5 inches |
Weight:
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Food:
Millipedes are detritivores, foraging for decaying organic material (in the desert, generally in sandy washes). |
Habitat:
They are nocturnal and prefer humid environments, often appearing on roads after soaking summer thunderstorms. |
Range:
Millipedes are found world-wide except in polar regions, but are more abundant in tropical climates. |
Reproduction:
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Population:
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Hunting Information:
Non Game Animal
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