Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Portuguese millipede

Portuguese millipede

Ommatoiulus moreleti

A species of Ommatoiulus

The portuguese millipede (Ommatoiulus moreleti) is an herbivorous Myriapoda, meaning "many-legged". It feeds on decaying wood, fungus, and leaf litter, so it can be considered a pest in large quantities. While it cannot harm humans, it can invade homes and destroy crops.

General Info About Portuguese millipede
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Portuguese millipede
Colors
Black
Gray
Habitat
tree litter
Adult Food Sources
Rotting wood, decomposing vegetation, fungi, organic matter in soil, decaying organic debris
Larva Food Source
Decaying leaves, dead plant matter, microfungi, organic detritus, soil bacteria
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The Portuguese millipede can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Portuguese millipede feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Portuguese millipede
It is native to the southern Iberian Peninsula. It has spread to a number of Atlantic islands, South Africa and Australia. In many parts of South Australia, densities of it have declined markedly from a peak period during the 1970s to relatively low densities during mid 1980 to the present.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Portuguese millipede
Western Iberian Peninsula, spread to a number of Atlantic islands, South Africa and Australia
Rectangle
Appearance of Portuguese millipede
One-year-old immatures (stages 7–9) are light brown with a darker medial stripe. After 2 years the 10-11 stage millipedes have turned black. Adult portuguese millipedes are smooth, 2 - 4.5 cm long and coloured from grey to black.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Portuguese millipede?

Rectangle
Adult Size of Portuguese millipede
2 - 4.5 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Portuguese millipede Larvae
Amphibians such as common frogs (rana temporaria), birds, including ground-foraging species, arthropod predators like carabid beetles and spiders, small mammals such as shrews
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Portuguese millipede
Small carnivorous and omnivorous mammals like rodents and shrews, arthropod predators such as beetles and spiders, birds, particularly those foraging on the ground or in lower vegetation strata, amphibians including toads and some frog species
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Portuguese millipede
Despite its small size, portuguese millipede's blood contains a rare natural antifreeze, allowing it to survive freezing temperatures that would be lethal to many other creatures.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Portuguese millipede
Tips for Finding Portuguese millipede
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Portuguese millipede
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Rotting and Decaying Matter
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Portuguese millipede
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Rotting and Decaying Matter
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Portuguese millipede
Since portuguese millipede is a detritivore, decomposing organic matter such as decaying plant material or fruits may be used as a lure in traps.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Portuguese millipede
The ideal time to find portuguese millipede is typically at night or during humid conditions when they are most active and likely to be foraging for food.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Portuguese millipede
Moist, mild weather with recent rainfall increases the chances of locating portuguese millipede, as they require humid environments to prevent dessication.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Portuguese millipede at Different Life Stages
Juvenile Juvenile portuguese millipede are smaller and less conspicuous than adults. To find them, search under logs, rocks, and leaf litter in shaded, moist areas.
Adult Adult portuguese millipede are more robust and visible. Look for them at night using a flashlight, beneath piles of rotting vegetation, or by carefully examining the dark corners of garden sheds and similar structures.
Are Portuguese millipede harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free

The portuguese millipede can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

Rectangle

Are Portuguese millipede harmful to humans?

The millipede is not poisonous, and neither bites nor stings. Although it is not toxic, when it is attacked, some millipedes produce irritating fluid from the glands on the side of the body. If this liquid splashes into the eyes, it may cause strong irritation. This defensive liquid is still stinking and very annoying. Some people may be allergic to this liquid.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow