Oxidus gracilis is a member of the flat back family of millipedes, although it's upper surface is slightly domed. This animal is a tropical millipede variety, but has become firmly established in greenhouses all over the country. It is up to 23 mm long and 2·5 mm wide, it has a chestnut to black back and yellowish keels or wings.

Cross section of Polydesmus (left) and Oxidus, showing
how the flat back is produced by 'wings' extending
from the basically cylindrical body.

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