The Diet and Predators of Millipedes, Explained

Millipedes may look a little scary with their countless legs and slow, winding movements, but these arthropods are quite beneficial to their environments. Humble decomposers of dead plants and organic matter, these creepy crawlers help to recycle nutrients back into the soil. Without millipedes, ecosystems would struggle to stay clean and fertile. So, what does this arthropod’s diet contain? Continue reading to learn what millipedes eat as well as what eats millipedes.

Millipedes: An Overview

Millipedes (Diplopoda) are arthropods that are found everywhere except Antarctica. Though the name millipede translates to thousand-footed animal, of the approximately 12,000 named millipede species, only one, Eumillipes persephone, native to Western Australia, is known to have a thousand feet along its 3.2-inch length. The longest species, the giant African millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas), can reach up to 13.2 inches long, but has only 256 legs.

Their exoskeletons are hard and shiny, offering protection and support. Most millipede species have at least twenty long, flat body segments. However, pill millipedes (Oniscomorpha) have fewer, shorter body segments and resemble pill bugs (Armadillidium vulgare). Narceus americanus is one of the most common North American millipede species, measuring up to four inches long.

Millipedes live in dank, dark environments with decaying organic matter. They are commonly found in gardens, lawns, and forests, and prefer moist environments near streams and lakes. These many-footed arthropods thrive in leaf litter, mulch, and under rocks or plant pots.

Varied Diets

For the most part, millipedes are nature’s recyclers, detritivores, feeding primarily on decaying organic matter, such as fallen leaves, rotting wood, and decomposing plant material. As they consume this debris, they break it down into smaller particles, which further decompose and enrich the soil.
This diet plays a vital role in nutrient cycling and helps maintain healthy ecosystems.

However, some species of millipedes are herbivorous. These species, like the Greenhouse millipede (Oxidus gracilis), subsist on fresh living plant matter. Though rare, herbivorous millipedes can damage plants, including commercial crops. In agricultural settings, millipedes have been reported to damage crops like strawberries, especially when those crops are already damaged or decaying. They are more likely to be opportunistic feeders rather than aggressive pests. So while millipedes can cause localized crop damage, overall, they are far more beneficial than harmful.

Common Predators

Millipedes have several natural predators, despite their tough exoskeletons and chemical defenses. To protect themselves, millipedes tightly coil their bodies, using their exoskeletons to cover their numerous fragile legs. However, birds (including chickens), frogs, skinks, and a variety of small rodents still manage to eat millipedes. To deter predators, many millipedes secrete a toxic or foul-smelling substance from glands along the sides of their bodies. Nevertheless, some persistent predators have adapted to overcome these defenses.

Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) and coatis (Nasua) will vigorously roll millipedes along the ground to remove the toxic secretions. will vigorously roll millipedes along the ground to remove the toxic secretions. Black lemurs (Eulemur macaco) are known to consume millipedes, using the toxins as a form of self-medication or recreation.

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