Thoroughly Modern Milli

Day 271: A damp winter seems to have led to an abundance of millipedes in our forests this summer. I can't recall a time when I've seen them in such numbers. These critters feed largely on decaying wood. Harpaphe haydeniana (Yellow-Spotted Millipede) exhibits twenty body segments with most segments having two pair of legs. The first and last segments are legless, and the second and fourth segments only have one pair. According to a NPS document, "This species is possibly the most critical shredder in forests of the Pacific coast. It is estimated that H. haydeniana alone eats 33 to 50 percent of all dead leaves that are on the forest floor. The chewing increases leaf surface area, giving microbial communities increased access to nutrients." Also known as the "cyanide millipede" or "almond-scented millipede," H. harpaphe defends itself from attack by predators by emitting a fluid containing hydrogen cyanide from pores on the sides of its body. This substance can cause temporary skin discolouration in humans, but is not considered harmful.