Invertebrate
Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus
Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctusAlso known as Bronze Millipede, Brown Snake Millipede
Bronze millipedes navigate damp topsoil and decaying leaf litter, tightly coiling into a defensive spiral when disturbed. They play an essential role as subterranean decomposers, chewing through tough forest litter and conditioning soil across both native European ranges and introduced North American habitats. When threatened, glands along their flanks produce a pungent quinone secretion that effectively deters small predators.
DecomposerNocturnalSubterranean
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyDecaying leaves, Rotting wood, Soil fungi
Predators
- Ground beetles
- Toads
- Shrews
ThreatsSevere soil desiccation, heavy pesticide application, and habitat loss
HabitatsDeciduous woodlands, grasslands, agricultural soils, and suburban gardens
Life span2–4 years
Classification
- OrderJulida
- FamilyJulidae
- GenusCylindroiulus
- SpeciesCylindroiulus caeruleocinctus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Safe to observe at a normal distance; wash hands after handling to prevent mild chemical eye irritation.
Responsible observation
- Log Turning: Lift damp fallen branches or garden stones gently, returning them carefully to preserve the microclimate.
- Night Spotting: Search concrete pathways and moist garden soil with a flashlight following warm evening rains.
Predator (c) Donald Hobern, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Same Family (c) Jon Mortin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jon Mortin · cc-by
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