Flat-backed Millipede - <em>Sigmoria</em>

With its low profile, the Flat-backed Millipede can wind and move through spaces with little overhead.

This species of millipede is one of a group that are less tubular in shape than others. The sides of each segment flatten out and are orange or yellow. An orange or yellow dot sits in the middle of each segment, forming a row that runs the length of its 'back'. This dot may look like a dash in some individuals. Pairs of orange or yellow legs stick out sideways from underneath each segment and the flexible nature of the millipede allows it to curve and bend as it traverses rocks, leaf litter, and other surfaces. It is a smooth and glossy millipede and a slow-mover, making it easier to glimpse the curious creature with far fewer than 1,000 legs.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Diplopoda

Order: Polydesmida

Family: Xystodesmidae

Genus: Sigmoria

Species: trimaculata

Identifying Information

Scientific Name: Sigmoria trimaculata

Category: Millipede

Size (Adult; Length): 50mm to 80mm (1.95in to 3.12in)

Colors: brown; yellow; orange

Descriptors: orange dot in middle; orange band on spine; orange legs; yellow flared sides; low; maroon; auburn; red

Territorial Map

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Prince Edward Is.

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Territorial Reach (A-to-Z)

Newfoundland and Labrador

Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.

Flat-backed Millipede - Sigmoria (Sigmoria trimaculata)

With its low profile, the Flat-backed Millipede can wind and move through spaces with little overhead.