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How to Catch a Millipede

Although millipedes do not actually have 1,000 or more legs, they are still fascinating creatures as they carve elaborate tunnel systems underground. They are actually easy to catch if you know where to look for them. Since they are decomposers, they tend to live in dark, damp places with decaying vegetation. Although you could probably provide a millipede with a decent life by placing it in a tank in your room, it would probably be much happier in your outdoor compost pile.

Things You'll Need

Cups
Decaying leaves from outside
Aquarium tank at least twice as long as the millipede
Compost
Spray bottle

Instructions

- 1
  
  Notice how the centipede's body is more flattened than cylindrical.
  
  Learn how to identify a millipede and tell the difference between it and a centipede. Millipedes are elongated insects with cylindrical bodies. They range in length from 1/2 inch to more than 3 inches depending on the species. They may be brown, black, reddish, have yellow segments with a black body or other color patterns. Tell the difference between a centipede and a millipede by looking at the segments (horizontal bands) on the insect's body. Centipedes usually have one pair of legs per segment and millipedes usually have two pairs per segment. Centipedes usually have a more flattened or rectangular body rather than a cylindrical form.
- 2
  Carry an empty cup or container with you as you go looking for a millipede outside. Search for a millipede under rocks and logs in a wooded area or under flower pots. Remember to flip rocks and logs back over to their original places.
- 3
  Catch a millipede with your bare or gloved hands, which is feasible as they do not move very quickly. They may even curl up when disturbed. Place the millipede in your cup.
- 4
  Drop some soil and decaying vegetation into the cup to provide the millipede with a temporary habitat. Collect some extra decaying vegetation to place in the aquarium tank.
- 5
  Wash your hands when you get home just in case that particular species released a defensive chemical liquid that may irritate your eyes if you rub them.
- 6
  Add a layer of compost, at a depth of at least 5 inches, to the bottom of the tank. "The Daily Puppy" recommends a compost mixture of 70 percent sphagnum moss and 30 percent bark chips, but soil and decaying vegetation from the millipede's habitat would suffice. The tank should be at least twice as long as the millipede.
- 7
  Place the millipede inside the tank and place the tank in a dark place. Every so often lightly spray the compost with water to keep it moist, but not drenched.

Insects & Science