Millipede (Schizophyllum sabulosum)

[Durgan]

28 May 2011 Millipede (Schizophyllum sabulosum) 28 May 2011 Millipede (Schizophyllum sabulosum)

This centipede is found throughout the garden often just under mulch. Some of my seed potatoes rotted in the ground, and when examined there were many of these millipedes feeding on the flesh of the potatoes. The rotting was caused by the potatoes being in wet conditions for long periods this year, due to a very wet Spring. The structure of the worm is very hard and they must be pressed on a hard surface to destroy. Whether this worm is beneficial or not is not known by me. I am assuming the identification is correct but am open to correction.

[Daisygirl]

Yuck yuck and YUCK!!! I hate those things so much - they totally creep me out - they are fast little critters too!!! I'm shuddering all over right now!

[NicJean]

Millipedes and their cousins centipedes only eat rotted stuff (leaves, veggies, etc) Most likely they are not the ones causing damage to your potatoes, the potatoes had already been rotting. (The things you learn while running an afterschool program . . ) It's very wet here, too, I'm trying to plant, but need a break in the weather. (have not yet planted my potatoes)