April 27, 2023

I am a Florida Ivory Millipede

I have a noxious goo that I shed

From glands on most of my body

Except there are no glands right behind my head. 

Florida Scrub Jays know to decapitate my type

Carefully so they don't spoil their meal

They leave the rest of the body behind

It sounds like a very unpleasant ordeal!

(Note: Make sure you check out the article linked below, it's very interesting!)

Location: Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area, Christmas

Sources: https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/FFN%2047.4%20pages%20144-146.pdf

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 6, 2021

I am a Florida Ivory Millipede

I don't sting and I don't bite

But I can release a drop of hydrogen cyanide on you

If you do not treat me right. 

Location: Kissimmee Prairie State Park

Sources: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2020/06/24/millipedes-annoying-but-important/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 12, 2021

I am a Florida Ivory Millipede

I'm slow moving and I do not bite

But I can secrete a drop of hydrogen cyanide

If you hurt me or give me a fright!

(Check out the article below. These are very beneficial critters! The article also does a great job of explaining the differences between millipedes and centipedes.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2020/06/24/millipedes-annoying-but-important/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 12, 2019

Location: Fellsmere, Rails to Trails

I am a Florida Ivory Millipede
I don't really have 1000 feet.
But I do have 4 feet on each body segment,
And detritus is what I like to eat.

Sources: UF | IFAS Blogs - Rise of the Millipedes

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson