Looks like a cyanide millipede (Harpaphe haydeniana).

Looks like a cyanide millipede (Harpaphe haydeniana).

Thanks - that looks like it: http://bit.ly/188nk5u

At first I must say I am by no means a specialist on millipedes. I am only generally interested of fauna and flora of Thailand and adjacent countries. Although it is not said expressively I assume the video was taken in Thailand.

While the millipede shown is (superficially) similar to Harpaphe, it cannot be Harpaphe, as the occurence of Harpaphe is restricted to the New World (mostly Pacific coast of USA and Canada). I think this is a member of the genus Orthomorpha from the Paradoxosomatidae family.

This is a genus with more than 50 species, many of which occur in Thailand. Some, like O.weberi, are very similar to the millipede in the video.

But without having a specimen in his hands, even a specialist could not say which species it is.

Erwin

what it is is less important than what it does or doesnt do to you if u find one crawling in your blanket...

what it is is less important than what it does or doesnt do to you if u find one crawling in your blanket...

Ha ha .... That is so true, bina, as anyone having been bitten by one of the little beggars would certainly confirm.

Best idea, if any unidentified millipede/centipede is encountered, is to slide it onto some paper and eject from the home to avoid a very painful bite!! They don't all bite, by any means, but it's not worth the risk.

I think chinnotes' post is more accurate than my initial identification. I just remember cyanide millipedes from the States, when camping.

At first I must say I am by no means a specialist on millipedes. I am only generally interested of fauna and flora of Thailand and adjacent countries. Although it is not said expressively I assume the video was taken in Thailand.

While the millipede shown is (superficially) similar to Harpaphe, it cannot be Harpaphe, as the occurence of Harpaphe is restricted to the New World (mostly Pacific coast of USA and Canada). I think this is a member of the genus Orthomorpha from the Paradoxosomatidae family.

This is a genus with more than 50 species, many of which occur in Thailand. Some, like O.weberi, are very similar to the millipede in the video.

But without having a specimen in his hands, even a specialist could not say which species it is.

Erwin

Thanks chinnotes - yes, this video was taken in Phuket. I have many of these millipedes in the grass and on the concrete drive.

I wasn't aware that millipedes bit? Are you sure? I live in Patong and on my walk to work this morning I must have seen a dozen easily.

I wasn't aware that millipedes bit? Are you sure? I live in Patong and on my walk to work this morning I must have seen a dozen easily.

Millipedes aren't known for biting - centipedes on the other hand....