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The Pill Millipede and Their Rolling Ability

October 22nd, 2009 Posted in Centipedes & Millipedes

The pill bug you would typically encounter in your garden is known as the garden slater. The pill millipede is just like the slater, except much larger and part of the millipede family, which is made up of over 100 different species. Often found in around trees, the pill millipedes are pretty common outside the United States.

This article will discuss the pill millipede’s:

• Environment
• Appearance
• Rolling Ability
• Chemical Defense
• Management

Environment

The pill millipede can be found in the forests of New Zealand, Australia, Asia, South Africa, and Madagascar. They tend to enjoy the native trees or moist urban areas, specifically living in humus and leaf remains.


As herbivores, they feed on the decomposing organic matter found in the leaves, humus, and forest floor. Once inside a tree, they stick to the base of the tree, where there is the most amount of water.

Appearance

They grow anywhere from about 1-3cm long. The adult pill millipede is brown or black all along its body. Some specific species have other colors throughout their bodies, like the green pill millipede, which is obviously has a green body.


As millipedes, they have 2 legs per their 20 to 100 segments. Unlike the typical millipede, they’re are short and less worm-like in length. Their back is made of a tough outer shell, strong enough to protect them from predators, but not so strong that they would survive a person stepping on them.

Rolling Ability

When bothered they are capable of rolling into perfect balls. Curling their bodies underneath their outer shell, they protect themselves from other bugs and predators.


They’re easily confused with a regular garden slater because they look very similar, but they are different because they can tuck their heads and legs under their bodies. This way they are completely concealed when they roll into a ball. The garden slater cannot hide its legs or head fully underneath its outer shell.


The pill millipede and garden slater roll into balls because their underside is very soft and sensitive, thus without they’re outer shell they’d be much more vulnerable to attack. This is the most unique feature of the pill millipede, not the fact they are acting in their own defense to protect themselves, but that they can physically become a little ball within seconds.

Chemical Defense

On top of the fact they can roll into little balls, they can also protect themselves by releasing a chemical odor, once they feel threatened. Their bodies have multiple pores that release a terrible smell that can kill small creatures, and scare off other small predators.

To humans, the smell is similar to the smell of almonds, but to small predators it can be toxic if ingested. This toxic defensive spray contains traces of cyanide, hence why it is more deadly to smaller creatures.

Management

Because the pill millipede seeks moisture to live near, they sometimes enter your home in search of it. Basements, attics, and garages are known to hold moisture much better than other parts of your home, but most likely you’ll find them in your basement and garages.


The most effective way to help deal with any pill millipede problems is by using EcoSMART’s organic chemical-free insecticides. Safe for you, your children, pets, and the environment, EcoSMART is the best choice to help remove these pests from your home. Affordable and effective, EcoSMART’s products are your only choice for safe organic insecticides.