Unidentified soil dweller - Ask Extension
I always see a few of these critters every year, but this year there are more than usual and I’m noticing some root damage, including pretty much th...
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Unidentified soil dweller #875746
Asked July 02, 2024, 9:46 PM EDT
I always see a few of these critters every year, but this year there are more than usual and I’m noticing some root damage, including pretty much the total destruction of the root of a parsley plant. And these guys are around the area. They are about half an inch long, they curl into a spiral when disturbed. Can you identify them, please? And tell me a little bit about them? Thank you so much for your help.
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Frances and thanks for your question and great picture of a millipede. Millipedes eat decaying organic matter, so it sounds like if we mulch or have healthy soil, we will have these critters. They don't actually eat our plants though, so unless your parsley was already on the way out, it isn't their fault.
https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/structural-health/nuisance-household/nuisance-household-millipede
I too have lots of these in my garden and always misidentified them, so thanks for the nudge to look them up!
https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/structural-health/nuisance-household/nuisance-household-millipede
I too have lots of these in my garden and always misidentified them, so thanks for the nudge to look them up!
Thanks so much! I’ve always wondered about them. They are kind of cute when they curl up into the spiral. I don’t know if you’re familiar with the pest Symphylan but I have those and I was hopeful. This was something that would eat them! But as I understand it centipedes do but millipedes don’t eat Symphylan. Happy gardening!
Hi Fran,
I do know that rove beetles eat symphylan, and they look weird... not like regular beetles. Look them up and hopefully you will find some living in your soil. They can bite, however, so let them bite the symphylans not you!
I do know that rove beetles eat symphylan, and they look weird... not like regular beetles. Look them up and hopefully you will find some living in your soil. They can bite, however, so let them bite the symphylans not you!
Thank you, Rhonda!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 5, 2024, at 8:52 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
