Snaky millipede

Blunt-tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus)

Turning over logs in our garden has turned up a host of interesting creatures recently, including this spotty little millipede – a Blunt-tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus). Many of Britain's millipedes are challenging to identify, but this one is an exception. The combination of pale body, darker head (with a dark mask across the eyes), dark stripe on the back and dark spots on the side is diagnostic, though those dark spots aren't found on every individual. Like most millipedes, this one feeds on dead or decaying plant material, spending most of its time in rotting wood or leaf litter. It's common and widespread across Great Britain, though somewhat scarcer in northern Scotland. The British Myriapod and Isopod Group reports that it's the "most common and widespread [millipede] species in Britain and Ireland". It's also found in western Europe (from northern Spain to Scandinavia), and has been introduced to North America. Though most strongly associated with woodland – and far less likely in built-up areas – it can be found in most habitats. These little invertebrates live a surprisingly long time. Studies have shown that they take at least three years to reach maturity, and that females may breed for several years after that. They're known to "migrate" from leaf litter to dead wood in the spring, and then back to leaf litter for the winter. Considering how slowly they move, that must take a while!