| American Giant Millipede (Narceus americanus) (Palisot de Beauvois, 1817) |
| Synonyms: Narceus americanus-annularis complex, worm millipede, iron worm |
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Narceus americanus occurs in eastern and central North America, from southern Ontario and Quebec to Florida and Texas. It is presently placed in the Narceus americanus/annularis complex. These millipedes are found in the leaf litter, under logs and other debris in forests and woodlands. They have a nearly cylindrical body, mainly black or dark brown, although the edges of the body segments are yellow or pink. N. americanus is the largest of North American millipedes and may attain body length of 10 cm. If threatened, it curls up and may release a noxious liquid that can cause skin discoloration. Female lays a single egg in a cup made of chewed up leaves and excrement, and then wraps around the egg for brooding. Like many other millipedes, this species feeds on decaying leaves and other plant matter.
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