Orthoporus ornatus (also known as the desert millipede) is a North American species of millipede in the family Spirostreptidae that can be found in the U.S. states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, and as far south as the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí. They became very popular in the pet trade and many were exported to Western Europe. Brian Van Der Kieft and Max Prins were the first breeders of this species in Europe. Individuals on average are 4 inches (10 cm) in length, but can either be as small as 3 inches (76 mm), or exceed up to 9 inches (230 mm) in length. They are dark brownish coloured, but can sometimes be yellow. In fact, in every state the species looks different.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Desert Millipede being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Orthoporus flavior
- Pachyiulus cattarensis
- Paectophyllum ferrugineum
- Pachyiulus apfelbecki
- Tylobolus claremontus
- Pachyiulus hungaricus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Diplopoda
- Order
- Spirostreptida
- Family
- Spirostreptidae
- Genus
- Orthoporus
- Species
- Orthoporus ornatus
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