Narceus+americanus+-+North+American+Millipede

The large North American millipede //Narceus americanus// is among the largest and most commonly encountered millipede in the eastern United States. A wide-ranging species, it is found from the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario south to Florida, and west to Minnesota and Texas. //N. americanus// is part of a species complex that includes two closely related species endemic to Florida and several unclassified cryptic species in the southern U.S. //N. americanus// is largely a nocturnal detrivore, consuming mostly decaying leaf litter and fungi. Because their cuticles are permeable, they are only found in habitats will high relative humidity, such as under logs and debris in moist forests or field margins. In Vermont, this species is instantly recognizable as no other millipede is as large or heavy. Mature millipedes can weight up to 2.5 grams (0.01 oz.) and grow to over 10 centimeters (4 in.) long. Their stout black bodies can be as thick as markers and have light coloration on the edges of each segment. Usually this coloration is red, but can be purple to yellow depending on the individual and population. Males of this species typically have longer legs and antennae than females.

Eggs are laid singly in small cups made from the females regurgitated food and excrement. Young millipedes hatch with 3 pairs of legs and 7 body segments and molt many times over their lives, gradually attaining more segments and legs. These millipedes can live for over a decade but are mature after 1-2 years. While //N. americanus// does not secrete hydrogen cyanide, a common defensive compound found in other millipedes, it does posses glands capable of producing a noxious substance rich in benzoquinones which is capable of discoloring skin when handled.

Sources: O'Neill, R. 1968. Population Energetics of the Millipede, Narceus Americanus (Beauvois). Ecology, Vol. 49, No. 5: 803-809.

Shelley, R., C. McAllister, M. Medrano. 2006. Distribution of the Milliped Genus Narceus Rafinesque, 1820 (Spirobolida: Spirobolidae): Occurrences in New England and West of the Mississippi River; a Summary of Peripheral Localities; and First Records from Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, and Minnesota. Western North American Naturalist, Vol. 66 Issue 3: 374-389.

Useful Links:

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Narceus_americanus/#115BD5F3-1A73-4B14-B7FF-E92E940D76AE http://eol.org/pages/310313/details

Created by Matt Cahill