In the past I have misidentified this as a centipede, but it is in fact a millipede.  The easiest way to tell the difference between a millipede and a centipede is a millipede has two legs per body segment while a centipede has one.

Millipedes are generally harmless, though there are several varieties that excrete cyanide as a defensive mechanism.  Still, to my knowledge there aren’t any millipedes out there that can kill out unless you eat one, which I don’t find very tempting.

There particular ones are very common here around Seattle.  I have seen them in a variety of places – from the ponds next to where I work to my backyard.  Recently, I finally took the time to figure out what they are.

These are called Polydesmus millipedes and are originally from Europe, having not long ago been imported here.  They are also called flat backed millipedes and feed on decaying matter – often in moist environments – which corresponds well with the locations where I have found them.

These millipedes are quite small and require a lens like the MP-E 65 to get a good shot.

They are nevertheless quite easy to photograph as they don’t mind being uncovered.  It can be a bit tricky to get all of it in focus though.  In the shots above, you can clearly see how it has two sets of legs per segment and thus is not a centipede.

In future posts, I’ll likely revisit some other little critters whose identification I messed up on my first attempt, but for now I’m glad that I finally figured this one out.

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