The North American Millipede (Narceus americanus) is a common millipede of the eastern United States. It is also known as the American Giant Millipede, Worm Millipede or Iron Worm.
Both millipedes and centipedes have segmented bodies. Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, while millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment. Millipedes have one pair of legs on their first three segments. They also have a pair of short antennae.
North American Millipedes can be found on the forest floor, living within the leaf litter. They feed on decaying plant matter, decaying small animals and fungi.
When threatened, they have three defenses. First, they have a hard exoskeletons (shells). Second, they can curl into a coil to protect their head and legs. Third, they release noxious chemicals that make them unpleasant to eat and handle.
