| Ommatoiulus moreletii | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Myriapoda |
| Class: | Diplopoda |
| Order: | Julida |
| Family: | Julidae |
| Genus: | Ommatoiulus |
| Species: | O. moreletii |
| Binomial name | |
| Ommatoiulus moreletii (Lucas, 1860) [1] |
|
Ommatoiulus moreletii, commonly known as the black Portuguese millipede, is a herbivorous millipede native to Portugal. This species was accidentally introduced into Australia where it has since become an invasive pest.[2]
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Adult black Portuguese millipedes are smooth, 20–45 millimetres (0.8–1.8 in) long and coloured from grey to black. Immature specimens are striped and light brown. O. moreletii hatches from eggs in the soil and reaches maturity in two years.[2]
Adult males are periodomorphic, alternating between a sexual and a non-sexual form. In their sexual form, they have gonopods (mating legs) in the seventh body segment, which they lose when they moult in spring. They remain in the non-sexual "eunuch" form until their late summer moult.[3]
Since being introduced to Port Lincoln, South Australia in 1953, the millipede has spread to
O. moreletii are herbivorous detritivores.
As a defense mechanism, the millipede secretes a pungent yellowish fluid containing hydrogen cyanide. This stains clothes permanently and irritates eyes.[2] Due to this defence it is best for people to sweep them up rather than crushing them.[4]
Lacking natural predators in Australia, O. moreletii has flourished to "plague" proportions. They are most often seen in moist conditions, which create an abundance of food. They have been known to enter residences due to their sheer numbers.[4]
The millipedes were crushed in great numbers crossing the railway tracks at Tallarook, central Victoria in March 2009, causing train cancellations due to the disturbance of signalling equipment.[4]