© Stuart M Bennett 2000
Tachypodoiulus niger


This chappie above is one of several similar species which everybody will know and love, it is very similar to Cylindroiulus londinensis and virtually the only way to tell the difference is by their tails or telson (see below).

Hind ends of the black millipedes; Tachypodoiulus niger is on the left
and two forms of Cylindroiulus londinensis, showing the telson
which is a use aid to identification.

T.niger is especially common on chalky and limestone soils and it is very active. It is fond of fruit and often climbs raspberry canes and bramble bushes to nibble the succulent fruit. The length to diameter ratio is of the order of 10:1 and the average number of body segments is 41-56. T.niger often climbs trees to eat the mosses and algae. This millipede is familiar as it is often seen coiled up like a watch spring (see below), which is one form of defence, but there are several other species which do the same. This species along with the Cylindroiulus spp. are the ones which we find in our warehouse and stores, especially in greenfield areas.

 

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