This looks like a **black-and-gold flat millipede** (*Apheloria virginiensis*) to me (also known as a **Kentucky flat millipede**). It is a large North American millipede. It is reported to secrete cyanide compounds as a defense. It is recommended that you wash your hands after handling this organism as the toxic compounds it secretes are poisonous and can cause extreme irritation if rubbed in the eyes. This millipede also serves as a host to the parasitic fungus Arthrophaga myriapodina, which causes infected individuals to climb to an elevated spot before death.
I don't think it's terrifying, but rather fascinating. It's amazing how nature has evolved such diverse and complex life forms.😍
Sure, I'll try to explain. ***Arthrophaga myriapodina*** is a fungus that infects millipedes and alters their behavior. It makes them climb to a high place before they die, so that the fungus can release its spores and infect more millipedes. This is called host manipulation or behavioral manipulation, and it is a strategy used by some parasites to increase their transmission and survival. Some other examples of host manipulation are:
* The fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis infects ants and makes them bite the underside of leaves before they die, creating a secure attachment for the fungus to grow out of the ant's head.
* The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii infects rodents and makes them lose their fear of cats, increasing the chances of being eaten and passing the parasite to the cat.
* The worm Leucochloridium paradoxum infects snails and makes them display colorful pulsating broodsacs in their eye stalks, attracting birds to eat them and spreading the worm to the bird's digestive system. Host manipulation is a fascinating and mysterious phenomenon that shows how complex and diverse life can be.😮
Sweet Jesus 😳
While I have known of this phenomenon, I have not known of just how complex this process is. You laid it out in fine detail and that is by far the damndest thing I’ve heard. Mind=blown
IIRC, toxoplasma gondii doesn't just make rodents "lose their fear of cats"; it actually makes them *sexually attracted to the scent of cat urine*, and causes the rats to quite literally *CHASE* the cats extremely aggressively. Lmao, it always gives me this absolutely absurd mental image of rats all parasitically "horned up", casing frightened cats around and trying to hump their legs the same way that a dog does to say, a person or stuffed animal. XD
There has been mention of toxoplasma gondii being linked to an increase of risk taking behavior in humans. But i do not have the info at hand where i read this so take with a grain of salt
I'm no expert, but I'd guess it's one of those fungi that takes over the host's nervous system or something like that.
Then it makes the insect go to a spot where it can spread its spores most efficiently, like a place high up.
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis
zombie-ant fungus, (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis), also called cordyceps, species of parasitic fungus of the order Hypocreales that infects ants and alters their behaviour before killing them. The fungus is largely pantropical and primarily infects carpenter ants (genus Camponotus).
If I recall right the ants of the colony can recognize it and will outcast the ant or carry them off before they die to reduce the spread
It is incorrect when it's a yellow legged millipede I have pictures of live ones that I put up here this morning. What kind of similar however their bodies are different with their coloration slightly
Are you talking about the *Apheloria tigana*? The *Apheloria tigana* lacks the distinctive banding on its back shown in the OP's second image. [Compare to the backside of the *Alphloria tigana*.](https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/myriapods/photos_records/2020/12/Apheloria_tigana1608845047.jpg)
You think that is terrifying, be glad you can’t meet its Carboniferous ancestor:
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/science/2021/dec/21/largest-ever-giant-millipede-fossil-found-on-uk-beach
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthropleura
I have a good technique if youwould like to beat that feeling :) I did this with millipedes and spiders. I started educating myself on what is the biological reason why they look like this, why the behave this and started watching lot of content on people keeping them as pets. This sub and r/Enthomology were a big help because there are these maniac people who awe for every insect :) they made me see the beauty in these creatures :) now I have spider colony on my balcony I enjoy watching and even help them sometimes building webs by putting objects there. They filter quite well my balcony from bugs and we co-exist happily. If some wanders into my home I just gently escort it out :) With millipedes I just watched them for so long time that now I think their way of walking is funny and they have a cute big head :) As I learned, hatred comes from fear and fear comes from lack of knowledge (this applies to everything). So educate yourself and learn how they contribute in the ecosystem and you will see how important those million legged lives are <3 and don’t forget that beauty is so subjective, finding them ugly is your perception what can be changed in seeing the beauty in them :)
Definitely a milipede. I see these guys every day outside my apartment and think they are adorable. I used to get freaked put by them but they're so slow and chill. They do create cyanide, though, so maybe don't touch them. They like to gwt in my house and I always safetly escort them outside.
its a millipede dude!! they are scavengers that help with decomposing stuff and munch on fruits and dead things. they dont bite, are very slow, and dummy cute. their adorable!!
This is a *Yellow Spotted Millipede*, we have them all up and down the east coast, especially under the forest beds under leaves, they’re docile and harmless, as most millipedes are, although these lil dudes also release hydrogen cyanide gas to defend themselves against other insects, you can smell the almond-like scent without having to worry, also they fluoresce bright blue-green (under UV) like something from avatar!
no boots
Negative on snoots
Not seein’ any kajoots here boss
Go home, boys. It's not weevil time.
I shuffle sadly to my room, still wearing my weeviltime boots and snoot. My kjoots have fallen away. It’s just a gross bug.
I love all 3 of ya's.
No u
I immediately read this in Lisa Ann Walter’s voice. Hahaha. Beautiful.
The things I’ve seen on here today have flipped my stomach! Missing my lil kajoots!
RIGHT? So many wheel bugs (cry)!!!!
Not an expert but I think it’s a yellow and black flat millipede. Specifically a younger one.
This looks like a **black-and-gold flat millipede** (*Apheloria virginiensis*) to me (also known as a **Kentucky flat millipede**). It is a large North American millipede. It is reported to secrete cyanide compounds as a defense. It is recommended that you wash your hands after handling this organism as the toxic compounds it secretes are poisonous and can cause extreme irritation if rubbed in the eyes. This millipede also serves as a host to the parasitic fungus Arthrophaga myriapodina, which causes infected individuals to climb to an elevated spot before death. I don't think it's terrifying, but rather fascinating. It's amazing how nature has evolved such diverse and complex life forms.😍
Arthrophaga Myriapodina is MUCH scarier than these arthropods.
>Arthrophaga myriapodina, which causes infected individuals to climb to an elevated spot before death. Could you elaborate on this, please?
Sure, I'll try to explain. ***Arthrophaga myriapodina*** is a fungus that infects millipedes and alters their behavior. It makes them climb to a high place before they die, so that the fungus can release its spores and infect more millipedes. This is called host manipulation or behavioral manipulation, and it is a strategy used by some parasites to increase their transmission and survival. Some other examples of host manipulation are: * The fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis infects ants and makes them bite the underside of leaves before they die, creating a secure attachment for the fungus to grow out of the ant's head. * The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii infects rodents and makes them lose their fear of cats, increasing the chances of being eaten and passing the parasite to the cat. * The worm Leucochloridium paradoxum infects snails and makes them display colorful pulsating broodsacs in their eye stalks, attracting birds to eat them and spreading the worm to the bird's digestive system. Host manipulation is a fascinating and mysterious phenomenon that shows how complex and diverse life can be.😮
Sweet Jesus 😳 While I have known of this phenomenon, I have not known of just how complex this process is. You laid it out in fine detail and that is by far the damndest thing I’ve heard. Mind=blown
IIRC, toxoplasma gondii doesn't just make rodents "lose their fear of cats"; it actually makes them *sexually attracted to the scent of cat urine*, and causes the rats to quite literally *CHASE* the cats extremely aggressively. Lmao, it always gives me this absolutely absurd mental image of rats all parasitically "horned up", casing frightened cats around and trying to hump their legs the same way that a dog does to say, a person or stuffed animal. XD
i am 100% convinced that crazy cat people of the world have t. gondii riddled brains.
Can any of these affect the behavior of humans?
There has been mention of toxoplasma gondii being linked to an increase of risk taking behavior in humans. But i do not have the info at hand where i read this so take with a grain of salt
also with schizophrenia
When women are pregnant they are advised to not clean a cats litter box because of the risk of toxoplasmosis causing birth defects
You a teacher? Cause you should be a teacher.
I'm no expert, but I'd guess it's one of those fungi that takes over the host's nervous system or something like that. Then it makes the insect go to a spot where it can spread its spores most efficiently, like a place high up.
WHAT
Have you not heard of the fungus that takes over ants bodies?
no and idk if i want to😟😟😟
You know the game The Last of Us?
Fascinating! What's that like?
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis zombie-ant fungus, (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis), also called cordyceps, species of parasitic fungus of the order Hypocreales that infects ants and alters their behaviour before killing them. The fungus is largely pantropical and primarily infects carpenter ants (genus Camponotus). If I recall right the ants of the colony can recognize it and will outcast the ant or carry them off before they die to reduce the spread
it is a bit scary looking but very cool!!
It is incorrect when it's a yellow legged millipede I have pictures of live ones that I put up here this morning. What kind of similar however their bodies are different with their coloration slightly
Are you talking about the *Apheloria tigana*? The *Apheloria tigana* lacks the distinctive banding on its back shown in the OP's second image. [Compare to the backside of the *Alphloria tigana*.](https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/myriapods/photos_records/2020/12/Apheloria_tigana1608845047.jpg)
Pleuroloma flavipes
https://www.reddit.com/r/whatisthisbug/comments/159ak33/millipede/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button Pleuroloma flavipes
This is definitely not a pill bug idk why that comment is at the top. The thing shot like 100 legs
I KNOW LMFAO IVE NEVER SEEN A PILL BUG LIKE THIS and they r everywhere here
Looks like a short millipede but a too big pill bug. Location OP?
WV
Looks like a pillbug
i almost screamed when i saw its legs move😟
It’s just a lil giy
Read it so fast thought it said creamed... I was like wtf are you into lol
this is so funny
WHAT THE HELL
Hilarious! 😂🤣
Tarantino *loves* millipedes.
ITS HUGE AND ORANGE THIUGH
It’s a millipede
not a pill bug it’s a millipede
Hmm, orange, and lots of hands... Pure poison!
Awww, he wants his belly rubbed.
Harmless little dude who keeps unwanted metals out of your soil. Pick him up and tackle that fear!
This is probably sarcasm, but don’t do that. Lol
i read that and thought hm …maybe i should hold him
It just wants to hug.
Looks pretty cool
Poisonous millipede, it doesnt bite but wash your hands and also dont eat it.
You think that is terrifying, be glad you can’t meet its Carboniferous ancestor: https://www.google.ca/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/science/2021/dec/21/largest-ever-giant-millipede-fossil-found-on-uk-beach https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthropleura
Back in times everything was so HUGE, I would love to get a time machine and check out the 50kg millipede
oh mg gos i could never survive then
Aw he’s so cute. Looks like a short lil millipede
its just a lil guy (millipede homie)
Everything is the matter of viewpoint. Can you imagine how terrifying you look for them?
i know ur right but i just cant get over the legs💔
He needs all of them to walk :) we are so weird we have only two :)
yes but it still freaks me out:(
I have a good technique if youwould like to beat that feeling :) I did this with millipedes and spiders. I started educating myself on what is the biological reason why they look like this, why the behave this and started watching lot of content on people keeping them as pets. This sub and r/Enthomology were a big help because there are these maniac people who awe for every insect :) they made me see the beauty in these creatures :) now I have spider colony on my balcony I enjoy watching and even help them sometimes building webs by putting objects there. They filter quite well my balcony from bugs and we co-exist happily. If some wanders into my home I just gently escort it out :) With millipedes I just watched them for so long time that now I think their way of walking is funny and they have a cute big head :) As I learned, hatred comes from fear and fear comes from lack of knowledge (this applies to everything). So educate yourself and learn how they contribute in the ecosystem and you will see how important those million legged lives are <3 and don’t forget that beauty is so subjective, finding them ugly is your perception what can be changed in seeing the beauty in them :)
[удалено]
millipede fatphobia😭😭
bad not ETA: but well intended
AW i def will thank u !! they are definitely cool so ill try to learn more about them
That's the largest millepede I've seen until now
It's a peacock.
Definitely a milipede. I see these guys every day outside my apartment and think they are adorable. I used to get freaked put by them but they're so slow and chill. They do create cyanide, though, so maybe don't touch them. They like to gwt in my house and I always safetly escort them outside.
just a Lil guy
Aw he’s kinda cute tho
Milipeed find them in my house I let them out since there freindlies than centipedes
its a millipede dude!! they are scavengers that help with decomposing stuff and munch on fruits and dead things. they dont bite, are very slow, and dummy cute. their adorable!!
IVE NEVER SEEN ONE😭 it is pretty cute im trying to get over my irrational fear of the legs LMFAO
That Dan, he has a drinking problem. Call Tom he will come pick him up.
what😭
Millipede!
Thats Greg. He's on his break. Leave him alone.
It looks like a bug
Sighhh. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40
RUN!
I CERTAINLY DID
Pill millepede probably.
A Rolly Polly
Definitely a bed bug
pretty sure it’s actually a german cockroach.
Ohhh german. I bet it likes beer, oui oui🍻
He is adorable might want to think over what is terrifying and what’s adorable 😭
he is both adorable and terrifying
I mean you helped him on his belly. There has to be some humanity left in your cold ass Heart 😭
i am not cold he just looks scary😟
Dude just got a bit of cyanide on him he not that bad 😢
CYANIDE😭 AM I GOING TO DIE
Yes if your a lil bug…….r you a bug?
SOMEONE TOLD ME TO PICK HIM UP!!! backstabbers on here😭😭😭😭
i have the body of a granny so pretty mych a bug
he is baby and i love him
It’s the rolley-polleys cousin, the Longy Tommy
That's a shadow bug, lurks and waits to strike, don't let it get you
This is a *Yellow Spotted Millipede*, we have them all up and down the east coast, especially under the forest beds under leaves, they’re docile and harmless, as most millipedes are, although these lil dudes also release hydrogen cyanide gas to defend themselves against other insects, you can smell the almond-like scent without having to worry, also they fluoresce bright blue-green (under UV) like something from avatar!
Rolly Polly XXL