A polydesmidan (“flat-backed”) millipede species called Harpaphe haydeniana, also known as the yellow-spotted millipede, almond-scented millipede, or cyanide millipede, is found in the damp woods along the Pacific coast of North America, from Southeast India to California. Its black colouring and striking yellow-tipped keels warn of its capacity to defend itself by exuding poisonous hydrogen cyanide. Despite the several popular names given to the species, additional flat-backed millipedes can also be found worldwide that have the same colour pattern, cyanide defense, and associated almond scent.
Description
When grown, Harpaphe haydeniana grow to a length of four to five cm. The body’s upper surface ranges in colour from black to olive green, while the sides of the body are distinctly characterized with patches of a yellowish hue. Twenty or so body segments make up H. haydeniana, which has a total of 30 pairs of legs for males and 31 pairs for females.
One pair of legs on the seventh segment of males are changed to become gonopods, which are utilized for sperm transmission, explaining the difference between males and females. People can live for two to three years.
Geographical Location
From central California to southeast Alaska’s coast. Common in mid- to low-elevation woods along the coast of the Pacific Northwest.
Habitat
Moist forests, under soil, under wet logs and in leaf litter.
Diet
A variety of dead leaves and rotted wood, including Douglas-fir, true fir, cedar, and numerous deciduous species, are consumed by mature millipedes as food. Young millipedes consume humus for food.
Behavior
- haydeniana releases hydrogen cyanide when in danger. This is commonly referred to as the “almond scented millipede” since it smells somewhat like almonds. Shrews, predatory beetles, and other insects are poisoned by the amount of cyanide that is released from the sides of the animal. Due to their effective defense mechanism of hydrogen cyanide, potential predators typically stay away from them. Skin can become stained when handled.
Reproduction
In spring, reproduction takes place. In soil or leaf litter, several hundred tiny eggs are placed in loose clusters. People in development are much paler than people in adulthood. Each time they molt, new segments are added, and as they get darker, the yellow patches become more noticeable.
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