Fauna
Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 1020944

Compact Flat-backed Millipede

Brachydesmus superus

Also known as Flat Millipede

Compact flat-backed millipedes inhabit damp topsoil and leaf litter, actively breaking down decaying plant matter into nutrient-rich humus. Adults are distinguished from most related flat-backed millipedes by their compact size and 19 body segments rather than the typical 20. Highly adaptable to human disturbance, they frequently thrive in agricultural fields, suburban gardens, and nursery potted plants worldwide.

Soil DwellerDetritivoreTiny
Compact Flat-backed Millipede reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Jeremiah Degenhardt, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jeremiah Degenhardt · cc-by
—observations
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—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Decaying leaves
  • Fungi
  • Rotting wood
Predators
  • Ground beetles
  • Centipedes
  • Shrews
ThreatsIntensive soil tilling, synthetic pesticide application
HabitatsLeaf litter, gardens, agricultural soil, deciduous woodlands
Life span1–2 years
Classification
  1. FamilyPolydesmidae
  2. SpeciesBrachydesmus superus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Finding Them: Turn over damp logs, flagstones, or deep garden mulch in shady spots.
  • Handling: Scoop up gently on a fallen leaf to avoid crushing its delicate exoskeleton.
  • Observation: Use a hand lens to view its textured, pale brownish body segments.
Related species
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