Brede High Wood
Look under a few logs or stones just about anywhere, and you are likely to see centipedes and millipedes scurrying for cover. The one pictured is most likely a Common Flat-backed Millipede - Polydesmus angustus. There are many species of centipedes and millipedes and distinguishing them can be difficult. The Common Flat-backed Millipede adult is dark brown and has about 20 segments. They grow to about 25mm long and 4mm wide. This species has paranota or keels on its dorsal surface. It uses them to help burrow itself into the soil. They can lift and lower them to help open up the soil around them, and are used like wedges. They feed on dead leaves, roots, and vegetative detritus. They also can feed on fruits, and seem to have a fondness for strawberries. There are known to be at least 8,000 species of millipede in the world, Only around 50 are found in Britain. Centipedes have a single pair of legs on each body segment, where millipedes have two pairs. This can clearly be seen on the photograph.
Dave Monk
