Apheloria virginiensis
Apheloria virginiensis: https://marylandbiodiversity.com/species/8070
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182 Records

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Note that this species' defense mechanism involves secreting a chemical defense including cyanide. Avoid touching or immediately wash hands after handling. Do not let children handle millipedes that look like this.

Description

Large and distinctive. Biofluorescent under UV light.

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Source: Wikipedia

Apheloria virginiensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Myriapoda
Class: Diplopoda
Order: Polydesmida
Family: Xystodesmidae
Genus: Apheloria
Species:
A. virginiensis
Binomial name
Apheloria virginiensis
(Drury, 1770)

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. This mechanism also makes it an object of fascination to many amateur entomologists, as the cyanide compounds reportedly give off a scent similar to cherries.[3] It is recommended that one wash their hands after handling this organism as the compounds it secretes are poisonous and can cause extreme irritation if rubbed in the eyes.[1]

Apheloria virginiensis can serve as a host to the parasitic fungus Arthrophaga myriapodina, which causes infected individuals to climb to an elevated spot before death.[4]

Apheloria virginiensis can be found throughout Appalachian Kentucky and Virginia.[2] This docile millipede is beneficial to the ecosystem. It is an omnivore that helps in the decomposition of deciduous leaves and dead bugs. It is a great terrarium pet for beginners. It can be purchased from specialty pet stores or local suppliers. The life expectancy of a Kentucky flat millipede is 4 to 7 years.

References

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  1. ^ a b Jamie Frater (2009). The Ultimate Book of Top Ten Lists: A Mind-Boggling Collection of Fun, Fascinating and Bizarre Facts on Movies, Music, Sports, Crime, Celebrities, History, Trivia and More. Ulysses Press. p. 472. ISBN 9781569757154.
  2. ^ a b "Apheloria Virginiensis "Kentucky Flat Millipede" Care Guide". 2023-04-05. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  3. ^ Millipede Walking | 🍒 These millipedes are called cherry bugs because they smell like cherries when threatened. The scent comes from benzaldehyde. This millipede produces... | By Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation | Facebook. Retrieved 2024-10-03 – via www.facebook.com.
  4. ^ Hodge, Kathie T.; Hajek, Ann E.; Gryganskyi, Andrii (2017). "The first entomophthoralean killing millipedes, Arthrophaga myriapodina n. gen. n. sp., causes climbing before host death". Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 149: 135–140. doi:10.1016/j.jip.2017.08.011. PMID 28803979.
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