Fauna
Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 1027048

Bumblebee Millipede

Anadenobolus monilicornis

Also known as Yellow-banded Millipede, Caribbean Bumblebee Millipede

Bumblebee millipedes are striking tropical detritivores recognized by alternating bands of bright yellow and dark black along their cylindrical bodies. They spend daylight hours burrowed beneath moist leaf litter, rotting logs, and rich humus, emerging under humid conditions to forage. When threatened, they coil tightly into a flat spiral to shield their soft legs and antennae while exuding pungent defensive secretions.

NocturnalColorfulDetritivore
Bumblebee Millipede reference
Licensed reference(c) Ray Fisher, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ray Fisher · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Decaying Leaf Litter
  • Rotting Wood
  • Fungi
Predators
  • Birds
  • Lizards
  • Toads
ThreatsSevere drought and widespread pesticide usage
HabitatsTropical forests, hardwood hammocks, and gardens
Life span3–5 years
Classification
  1. OrderSpirobolida
  2. FamilyRhinocricidae
  3. GenusAnadenobolus
  4. SpeciesAnadenobolus monilicornis
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
Secretes noxious fluid that stains and irritates skin; wash hands thoroughly after contact.
Why it is dangerous
Exudes benzoquinones from lateral defensive glands that stain skin yellowish-brown and irritate mucous membranes.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for alternating black and bright yellow rings encircling each smooth body segment.
What to do
Avoid handling with bare hands, and never touch eyes or mouth after inspecting one.
Responsible observation
  • Searching: Check under rotting logs, moist bark, and garden pots during humid evenings.
  • Handling: Observe them on the ground rather than picking them up to avoid defensive chemical stains.
Related species
Keep collecting in Fauna

Found in Collections

Ecosystem chain Pro

Secret Garden

Bumblebee Millipede is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.

Unlock to track progress

Continue in the app
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…