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The term "millipede" is widespread in popular and scientific literature, but among North American scientists, the term "milliped" (without the terminal e) is also used. [4] Other vernacular names include "thousand-legger" or simply "diplopod". [5] The science of millipede biology and taxonomy is called diplopodology: the study of diplopods. [6]
Millipede burns are a cutaneous condition caused by certain millipedes that secrete a toxic liquid that causes a brownish pigmentation and/or burns when it comes into contact with the skin. [1] Some millipedes produce quinones in their defensive secretions, which have been reported to cause brown staining of the skin.
Glomeris marginata is a common European species of pill millipede. It is a short millipede, rounded in cross-section, which is capable of rolling itself up into a ball ("volvation") when disturbed. This behaviour is also found in the pill woodlouse Armadillidium, with which G. marginata is often confused. [2]
Desmoxytes purpurosea, commonly known as the shocking pink dragon millipede or dragon millipede, is a spiny and toxic millipede named for its vivid pink color. It was formally described in 2007 from a specimen collected at the Hup Pa Tard limestone cavern in the Uthai Thani Province of Thailand . [ 1 ]
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 H. haydeniana. [5] Nonetheless, at least one species, the ground beetle Promecognathus laevissimus, is a specialised predator of H. haydeniana. [3] Good for soil aeration.
The word toxin does not specify method of delivery (as opposed to venom, a toxin delivered via a bite, sting, etc.). Poison is a related but broader term that encompasses both toxins and toxicants; poisons may enter the body through any means - typically inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Toxin, toxicant, and poison are often used ...
Although the name "millipede" is a compound word formed from the Latin roots millia ("thousand") and pes (gen. pedis) ("foot"), millipedes typically have between 36 and 400 legs. In 2021, however, was described Eumillipes persephone , the first species known to have 1,000 or more legs, possessing 1,306 of them. [ 28 ]
Millipede secretion is so avidly sought by the monkeys that up to four of them will share a single millipede. The anointment must also involve risks, since benzoquinones are toxic and carcinogenic; however, it is likely that for capuchins, the immediate benefits of self-anointment outweigh the long-term costs. [7]