Order Julida

The Julida (Order Julida) includes 22 species across 6 families and 17 genera in our directory.

About Julida

Julida is the largest millipede order in temperate regions with ~750 described species. The spotted snake millipede (Blaniulus guttulatus) is a common garden species across Europe and North America.

Economic Impact

Some Julida species are significant agricultural pests - the spotted snake millipede damages strawberries, sugar beet, potatoes, and other root crops by feeding on seeds and seedlings.

Ecological Role

Julid millipedes are critical soil engineers that fragment leaf litter and mix organic material into deeper soil layers. They consume their own fecal pellets (coprophagy) to extract maximum nutrients from plant material.

Families in Julida (6)

Species in Julida (22)

Choneiulus palmatus

Blaniulidae

Identification: Separated from other introduced Blaniulidae by: native to Europe, introduced in NA and now widespread

Julus scandinavius

Julidae

Identification: Larger than Ophyiulus pilosus , with a stouter epiproct. Males have elongate coxal processes on the second leg pair which are somewhat spoon-shaped.

Ptyoiulus impressus

Parajulidae

Identification: Male gonopod with a laminate, serrate calyx at the tip of the anterior coxal process

Spotted Snake Millipede

Blaniulus guttulatus

Blaniulidae

Identification: Eyes absent. Body pale whitish to cream, with blood-red spots on the side, representing defensive glands . Body narrow, the width of a pencil lead.