Spotted Snake Millipede
Blaniulus guttulatus
This record describes Blaniulus guttulatus (species). Recorded family: Blaniulidae. Recorded order: Julida.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Eyes absent. |
| Body | Body pale whitish to cream, with blood-red spots on the side, representing defensive glands . |
| Body | Body narrow, the width of a pencil lead. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Diplopoda
- Order
- Julida
- Family
- Blaniulidae
- Genus
- Blaniulus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
W.Europe, introduced and ubiquitous in many parts of the world and across NA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Blaniulus guttulatus (Fabricius 1798)
About Julida: the wider group
Order-level background for Julida, the group containing Blaniulus guttulatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
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.
Ecological role of the group
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.
Economic and practical significance of the group
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.
Recorded sources for this group: Agricultural entomology, soil ecology research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Spotted Snake Millipede (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Graham M , v belov , biosam
Frequently Asked Questions About Spotted Snake Millipede
What is Spotted Snake Millipede?
Spotted Snake Millipede (Blaniulus guttulatus) is a species in the family Blaniulidae, within the order Julida.
How big is Spotted Snake Millipede?
8‒14 mm
How do you identify Spotted Snake Millipede?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Eyes absent. |
| Body | Body pale whitish to cream, with blood-red spots on the side, representing defensive glands . |
| Body | Body narrow, the width of a pencil lead. |
Where is Spotted Snake Millipede found?
Range: W.Europe, introduced and ubiquitous in many parts of the world and across NA