North American Millipede – 5/27/19

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/27/19

Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.

Observation Location: boardwalk through Conservation land near Morse & Lakeview

Common Name: North American Millipede

Scientific Name: Narceus americanus

Comments: Millipedes first appeared in the fossil record 400 million years ago and are some of the first animals to have lived on land. It is hypothesized that these ancient species are the largest animals without backbones to have walked on earth. Modern forms appear in the late Paleozoic. While North American millipedes are currently classified as diplopods, Linnaeus classified them as apterate insects, Lamarck said they were arachnids, and others have called them worms or crustaceans.

More Information: Animal Diversity Web