Map Snapshot
184 Records
Status
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.
Seasonality Snapshot
Source: Wikipedia
| Apheloria virginiensis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Myriapoda |
| Class: | Diplopoda |
| Order: | Polydesmida |
| Family: | Xystodesmidae |
| Genus: | Apheloria |
| Species: | A. virginiensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Apheloria virginiensis (Drury, 1770)
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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
[edit]- ^ 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.
- ^ a b "Apheloria Virginiensis "Kentucky Flat Millipede" Care Guide". 2023-04-05. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
- ^ Millipede Walking | đ 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.
- ^ 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: 135â140. doi:10.1016/j.jip.2017.08.011. PMID 28803979.
External links
[edit]- "Apheloria virginiensis Drury, 1770". Integrated Taxonomic Information System.
- Images of Apheloria virginiensis - BugGuide
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