Description

• Julida is an order of millipedes in the class Diplopoda. Members typically have long, cylindrical bodies composed of numerous segments, with most adult trunk segments bearing two pairs of legs. They generally have a hard, often glossy exoskeleton and move slowly through the environment. When disturbed, many species curl into a coil for protection. They differ from centipedes in having two pairs of legs on most body segments and lacking the venomous claws used by centipedes to capture prey.

Range

• Julida is present in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico, and the order occurs primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, especially Europe, Asia, and North America. Its distribution is broad, although species diversity and geographic representation vary among regions.

Habitat

• Members of Julida commonly inhabit moist, sheltered environments such as leaf litter, soil, decaying logs, beneath stones, and under loose bark. They may also occur in gardens, woodland, and other areas where decomposing organic material accumulates. Many avoid drying conditions by remaining hidden during the day and becoming active when humidity is higher.

Diet

• Most julid millipedes feed on decomposing plant material, including dead leaves, rotting wood, and other organic debris. By fragmenting this material, they contribute to decomposition and nutrient cycling in the soil. Some species may also consume fungi or other decaying organic matter.