Apheloria virginiensis
| Apheloria virginiensis | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific 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
[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 | 🍒 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: 135–140. 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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