Orthomorphella pekuensis — identification & habitat

Orthomorphella pekuensis is an East Asian with a dark back edged by a row of yellow side plates. It feeds on decaying organic matter.

Appearance

Appearance: Adults are about 1.1–1.3 in (29–32 mm) long. The body is slightly flattened, dark above, edged with yellow side plates, and tapers gradually toward the rear.

Look-alikes

Greenhouse millipedeOxidus gracilis

The greenhouse millipede is usually about 0.75–0.85 in (19–21 mm) long and ranges from chestnut brown to black. Orthomorphella pekuensis is about 1.1–1.3 in (29–32 mm) long, with clearer yellow side plates; a close photo and scale help.

Why they get mixed upBoth are small, dark, flat-backed millipedes and are closely related.

Yellow-spotted millipedeHarpaphe haydeniana

On the U.S. Pacific coast, the yellow-spotted millipede has separate yellow or reddish spots along each side of a black body. Orthomorphella pekuensis has yellow side plates and is documented from East Asia; a photo without location or close detail may not settle the species.

Why they get mixed upBoth can look black with repeated yellow markings in a photo.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: areas near buildings
Range: It is recorded in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and northeastern China.

Behavior

Diet: It eats decaying organic matter.

Name and classification

About the name: Orthomorphella circofera is an older name for this species.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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