August 5, 2018: Not quite 1000 feet.

Have you ever come across one of these pre-historic looking creatures?

Millipede (Spirobolus species)

This a millipede, and no, it doesn't have 1000 feet even though that's what "milli" stands for.  There are thousands of species of millipede around the world and even the most-footed species only has 750 legs.  Our local variety is made up of 50 individual segments, each of which has two pairs of legs (200 legs in total), which is why it is in a scientific class called Diplopoda.

That's a lot of legs

According to Wikipedia Millipedes were among the very first animals to walk on the land, with fossils traced back 420 millions years to the Silurian period, and in those days they would be a little more intimidating:  they grew to be over 6 feet long.

How would you like to meet this at the business end of six-foot long arthropod?

This guy's only about 5" long

Millipedes are great recyclers, improving soil quality as they consume dead leaves and other decaying plant matter.  In some regions millipedes may consume nearly all the leaf litter in the area.  These guys must have played a big role in creating the soil that lies on top of all the granite in New Hampshire.  They prefer wet or damp areas, as they need moisture to survive - compost piles are a favorite residence.

I found three of these big arthropods within a few feet of each other, making me think they had just hatched, but then I read that they hatch from eggs with only six or seven segments.  As they grow, they molt, adding more segments with each molt, so these big guys with 50 segments are mature.  At any rate, they are harmless to humans and great for the environment, so thank them when you see them in your yard and garden.

Back a couple of weeks ago I mentioned some arachnids that hide on flowers, blending in with the plant as they wait for their prey.  Last week I found some cool insects that have no intention of hiding on their flowers.

Great Black Wasps (Sphex pensylvanicus)

These Great Black Wasps contrasted beautifully against the bright pink Swamp Milkweed.


Little Sam, who isn't quite so little anymore, continues to thrive on a diet of ever-larger fish provided by it parents.

Sam continues to grow rapidly.

Here comes dinner.

We are still seeing Sam with only one parent, but we don't know if it's always the same parent.  When they were taking their daily bath together I did get a good look at both of the parent's legs and neither had a band on it, so I do know the male is tending to Sam at least part of the time.

A good look at an un-banded leg.

Of course, Sam had to show off too.

If I ever get a glimpse of a band I'll know that's the female.  (If anyone has seen any bands, please let me know; the female's left leg has a green band and a red/white stripe band, her right leg has a white band  and a silver band).

Sam may be growing, but he still has a long way to go before he's flying anywhere with those stubby little wings!