Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Some millipedes, namely Apheloria Virginiensis, are able to secrete cyanide.

Laboratory study of these millipedes (which are slow moving and feed on plants) shows they are able to release clouds of hydrogen cyanide gas through small vents in their body. This is most likely to occur when being handled, or attacked by other creatures such as ants. It is essential that one wash ones hands after touching one of these millipedes. This large creature is found in North America and is also known as the Kentucky Flat Millipede.