Insect identifier · Often confused insects
How to identify a Millipede
Diplopoda
· Also called thousand legger, greenhouse millipede
People search “millipede” because it looks like something that bites. Millipede (Diplopoda) does not bite or sting people. Also called thousand legger, greenhouse millipede.
A slow brown cylinder in the basement is a millipede, not a biter.
What does a millipede look like?
Millipede is Varies; many are 20–40 mm. Colors: brown, black, gray. Marks: Many short legs; Rounded body; Slow; Curls up.
Millipede is Varies; many are 20–40 mm. Colors: brown, black, gray. Marks: Many short legs; Rounded body; Slow; Curls up.
Identification marks
- Many short legs
- Rounded body
- Slow
- Curls up
Size: Varies; many are 20–40 mm
Colors: brown, black, gray
Where: both
Millipede vs House centipede
Slow and round = millipede, no bite. Fast with long legs = house centipede, rarely pinches.
- House centipede identification (Scutigera coleoptrata)
- European earwig identification (Forficula auricularia)
- Pill bug identification (Armadillidium vulgare)
Range and season
Active damp weather; fall invasions of houses. Places: mulch, basement, garden. Two pairs of legs per segment. Slow. Does not bite. Some secrete an irritating fluid if crushed.
Mulch and basements after rain.
Two pairs of legs per segment. Slow. Does not bite. Some secrete an irritating fluid if crushed.
Damp weather; fall invasions of houses
Common questions
Do millipedes bite?
No. Don’t crush them on skin; some leak an irritant.
Millipede vs centipede?
Millipedes are slow and rounded. Centipedes are flat, fast, and have one pair of legs per segment.