Portugese Millipedes

Although Tasmania has over 200 native or introduced species of Millipede, the species that is most problematic for many people is the Portugese Millipede. Ranging from 4mm to 80mm and jet black in colour, they look very similar to most species of millipede found in Tasmania. The Portugese Millipede is not dangerous to humans, although they do become quite a nuisance as once they leave the ground, they tend to go towards human structures and households by the thousands. Day after day these Millipedes can be found crawling up walls both inside and out of a property. They are very invasive to native species of Millipede in Tasmania. When harmed the Portugese Millipede will curl up into a ball as a defense mechanism as they have a very hard layer of skin on their backs, acting as a shield. They can be found in all parts of Tasmania, ranging from Mountains and Bushlands, to Grassy Plains and Beaches, this is a reason they are so hard to control without professional help.