Pill millipede - Glomeris marginata - Family: Glomeridae

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Pill millipede - Glomeris marginata
© Roger Key/English Nature

The pill millipede's body is short and fat and similar to the pill woodlouse but with a much shinier and blacker cuticle, shorter antennae and at least ten more pairs of legs, making 17 or sometimes 19 in all. The body can be rolled into a ball, protecting the head and underside completely by the broad shield at the hind end. It lives under stones, at the roots of grass and in leaf litter, where it plays an important garden role by breaking down decaying vegetation and returning nutrients to the soil.

This animal is about 20mm long and 8mm wide. It makes no nest for its eggs but encloses each in a small capsule.

Most millipedes secrete fluids which repel predators and this is no exception. Despite this, it is said by some authorities to be eaten by starlings or common toads. It certainly falls prey to the woodlouse spider Dysdera crocata.

Food

Detritus feeder, mainly on plant litter.

Predators

Common toad, Starling, Woodlouse spider