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Immature millipedes feed on humus. Harpaphe haydeniana has few predators , due to its aposematic coloration and its ability to secrete hydrogen cyanide when threatened. This behaviour gives rise to the common names "cyanide millipede" and "almond-scented millipede" (since cyanide smells of almonds ), although cyanide secretion is not unique to ...
Motyxia is a genus of cyanide-producing millipedes (collectively known as Sierra luminous millipedes or motyxias [1]) that are endemic to the southern Sierra Nevada, Tehachapi, and Santa Monica mountain ranges of California. Motyxias are blind and produce the poison cyanide, like all members of the Polydesmida.
Reason of gigantism of Arthropleura is not clearly known, previously considered that is due to high oxygen levels, but later studies consider that is more likely because of lack of competition. [23] Millipedes also exhibit the earliest evidence of chemical defence, as some Devonian fossils have defensive gland openings called ozopores. [14]
The millipede has glands that produce hydrogen cyanide to protect it from predators, which causes it to smell like almonds. Its toxicity is advertised by its aposematic color. [2] The shocking pink dragon millipede was named third in the top ten new species list of 2008 by the International Institute for Species Exploration. [3]
Apheloria virginiensis, the Kentucky flat millipede, [1] is a large North American millipede. It gets its name from the yellow and orange markings on its back that give it a flattened appearance. [2] It is reported to secrete cyanide compounds as a defense mechanism.
Polydesmida (from the Greek poly "many" and desmos "bond") is the largest order of millipedes, with more than 5,000 species, [2] [3] including all the millipedes reported to produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN). [4] This order is also the most diverse of the millipede orders in terms of morphology. [5]
The millipede, Nearctodesmus salix defensive secretion consist of hydrogen cyanide, benzaldehyde, 3-methylbutanoic acid, and 2-methylbutanoic. This shows cyanogenesis extends to the family Nearctodesmidae.
Ommatoiulus moreleti (spelt moreletii in older publications), commonly known as the Portuguese millipede, is a herbivorous millipede native to the western Iberian Peninsula where it shares its range with other Ommatoiulus species. [2] From here, it has spread by international commerce to a number of new localities.