Yellow-Spotted Millipede

A flat-backed Pacific-coast millipede — black with contrasting yellow-tipped keels that advertise its chemical defense. Like other polydesmids it exudes hydrogen cyanide when threatened (a strong almond scent); harmless to humans in the tiny amounts produced but it can irritate eyes, nose, and mouth, so avoid handling and don't keep it sealed airtight. A cool-forest species: 55-70°F, high humidity, and a substrate that is almost entirely rotting wood, which it breeds well in. Northern-Californian stock tends to do better in captivity than the Washington subspecies. Docile detritivore.