Common Name: Millipede
Scientific Name: Various
Class/Order: Diplopoda/Various
Metamorphosis: Simple
Introduction: Millipedes are sometimes called "thousand-leggers", but they usually have 30-90+ pairs of legs. They are widely distributed throughout the United States and most of the world, with about 1,000 species occurring in the U.S.
Recognition: Adults about 1/16-4 1/2" (2-115 mm) long, usually cylindrical and wormlike but some slightly flattened. Color usually blackish or brownish but some red, orange, or with mottled patterns. With 1 pair short, 7-segmented antennae. Usually a cluster of simple eyes (ocelli) on each side of head. Most body segments bear 2 pairs of legs, except first 3-4 segments and last 1-3 segments which have 1 pair or no legs.
First instar millipedes usually have no more than 7 body segments and 3 pairs of legs. Additional segments and pairs of legs are added with each molt.