Meet the Marri Keeled Millipede

Article | Updated 8 years ago

Image of a Marri Keeled Millipede
Marri Keeled Millipede
Julianne Waldock

The Marri Keeled Millipede, or Antichiropus variabilis, is a large millipede found in southwestern WA. 

Image of a Marri Keeled Millipede

Marri Keeled Millipede
Image copyright Julianne Waldock  

Appearance

This invertebrate can grow up to 4cm, and is uniform chestnut brown to dark brown in colour. 

Habitat

It lives in uncleared woodland areas in southwestern WA, particularly in the Darling Escarpment and Swan coastal plain regions. It lives in the leaf litter under eucalypt leaves, particularly marri and jarrah, where they feed on decomposing litter. 

Behaviour

Adult Marri Keeled Millipedes are most active during the winter and into late spring. In the summer, individuals burrow to avoid desiccation

Breeding

Females produce eggs before the end of winter, and will die after laying them deep in the soil. A Marri Keeled Millipede may live up to two years.