A. vigriniensis is a species of millipede that is native to the Eastern United States, particularly in Kentucky and Virginia.

The males have 30 pairs of legs while the females have 31, and live for 2 to 3 years (reported up to 7 years in captivity). They prefer dark warm places and use their antenna to smell and feel their way around feeding on decaying matter.

A. virginiensis has been called the almond millipede due to the almond smell that seems to emanate from them. This is because they contain hydrogen cyanide which is secreted when they are handled or attacked. Hydrogen cyanide, at low concentrations, smells like almond extract. The compound itself if very toxic, but is secreted in such small amounts that it is not dangerous to human health (though it should not be eaten and you should wash your hand if you touch one).

Sources:

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/yellow-spotted-millipede


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *