Granulated Millipede
Scytonotus granulatus
This record describes Scytonotus granulatus (species). Recorded family: Polydesmidae. Recorded order: Polydesmida.
Identification and Appearance
dorsum with low rounded tubercles/pustules; in females, paranota slightly smaller on segments 6‒7; males have one pair of legs on segment 6, females have two
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Diplopoda
- Order
- Polydesmida (Flat-backed Millipedes)
- Family
- Polydesmidae
- Genus
- Scytonotus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Ontario and Wisconsin to South Carolina, northern Alabama, and eastern fringe of Oklahoma
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scytonotus granulatus (Say 1821)
About Flat-backed Millipedes: the wider group
Order-level background for Polydesmida, the group containing Scytonotus granulatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Polydesmida (flat-backed millipedes) is the largest millipede order with ~3,500 described species. Many species produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN) as a chemical defense - a strategy unique among arthropods.
Ecological role of the group
Flat-backed millipedes are major leaf litter decomposers in forest ecosystems, recycling calcium, nitrogen, and other nutrients. Their fecal pellets contribute significantly to soil formation and humus production.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Millipedes are generally beneficial decomposers but can occasionally damage seedlings and soft fruits in gardens. Some tropical species cause skin irritation through their cyanide-based defensive secretions.
Recorded sources for this group: Myriapod research, soil ecology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Granulated Millipede (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Granulated Millipede
What is Granulated Millipede?
Granulated Millipede (Scytonotus granulatus) is a species in the family Polydesmidae, within the order Polydesmida.
How do you identify Granulated Millipede?
dorsum with low rounded tubercles/pustules; in females, paranota slightly smaller on segments 6‒7; males have one pair of legs on segment 6, females have two
Where is Granulated Millipede found?
Range: Ontario and Wisconsin to South Carolina, northern Alabama, and eastern fringe of Oklahoma