Black Snake Millipede?

[jezlee]

Hi gang .... not one of my best shots, I'm afraid - isn't it amazing how something that looks so good on the back of the camera is SO out-of-focus when viewed at home on the monitor?

My best guess would be a Black Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) - does anyone agree?

[GRH]

The stripes down the back suggest that this is Ommatoiulus sabulosus (Striped millipede).

Greg

[Talisman]

Yeah i found one of these guys at the weekend too. All curled up though.

[jezlee]

Originally Posted by GRH

The stripes down the back suggest that this is Ommatoiulus sabulosus (Striped millipede).

Greg

Thanks, Greg - that one wasn't mentioned in my book ....

[GRH]

Unfortunately, when it comes to UK millipedes (of which there are about 60 species, including a number of introduced ones) there is no 'book'. There is a new atlas, and a new key is in development, so hopefully it won't be too long.

They are another group, like most UK inverts, where a small proportion can be identified in the field if you know what to look at, but most require looking at under a microscope.

Talisman's pic could be Tachypodoiulus niger, but doesn't show the critical feature in the photo (the tip of the tail), so you can't be sure.

Greg

[GRH]

I should add those interested in Millipedes (and centipedes and woodlice) should check out the British Myriapod & Isopod Group bmig.org.uk. It's free to join (two newsletters per year, or just download them), and there's lots of info on the website.

Greg

[Talisman]

Originally Posted by GRH

Talisman's pic could be Tachypodoiulus niger, but doesn't show the critical feature in the photo (the tip of the tail), so you can't be sure.

Greg

Sorry mate, i wasnt going to disturb the fella........

[Paul mabbott]

Does that mean that the Linnean Spciety book by J. Gordon Blower is out of date or will it suffice for the common species? Not surprising given the rate of new introductions/finds - 44 species in Blower!

Originally Posted by GRH

Unfortunately, when it comes to UK millipedes (of which there are about 60 species, including a number of introduced ones) there is no 'book'. There is a new atlas, and a new key is in development, so hopefully it won't be too long.
Greg

[GRH]

The Linnean Soc book is still the best one to use - if you can get hold of a copy! Last I heard Paul Lee (national millipede recorder) was working on a new version, and the key is pretty much there. Most of the new species are rare or introductions I believe.

Greg