More Info on Millipedes
Having lots of short legs makes millipedes very slow, but they are very powerful burrowers. With the legs moving in a wave-like pattern, they easily force their way underground, head first. Due to their lack of speed, a millipede’s main defence mechanism is to coil into a tight circle, protecting their legs inside their armoured body.
Many species also emit a poisonous liquid which can burn the exoskeleton of ants and other insect predators, and the skin and eyes of larger predators. This chemical is harmless to humans, although may cause irritation to your eyes. A millipede only uses this defence if you drop, pinch, or roughly handle them.
