Black millipede, Tachypodoiulus niger
Black millipede, Tachypodoiulus niger © Stemonitis, Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic license
The black millipede is also sometimes known as the white-legged snake millipede thanks to its striking white legs, of which around 100 pairs contrast with its black, shiny body. It can curl itself up into a spiral when threatened.
Preferring chalky soils and living in leaf litter or under bark, this millipede is fairly common in the UK and one of the most often encountered. It is most active at night.
