26 MILLIPEDES 



apparently lies in the deeper layers of the integument. Attempts to 

 demonstrate the classical 'luciferin-luciferase' activity in this 

 species have been unsuccessful (Davenport, Wootton and Cush- 

 ing, 1952). 



Finally there are a number of cases on record of pseudo-parasit- 

 ism by millipedes in the alimentary tract of man. 



Food and feeding habits 



Millipedes are vegetarian and feed on a wide range of plant sub- 

 stances, although on account of their weak mouthparts many 

 species tend to prefer soft or decomposing tissues (Brade-Birks, 

 1930). They have also been recorded as eating dead worms, mol- 

 luscs, insects and vertebrates. As already mentioned, a number of 

 species are well-known agricultural and glass-house pests. Of 

 these without doubt the worst offender in temperate climates is 

 the 'spotted snake millipede', Blaniulus guttiilatus, which has long 

 been regarded as a pest of sugar beet, potatoes, mangolds, oats, 

 wheat, strawberries and other agricultural crops and fruit. It has 

 been shown that outbreaks of this species tend often to be stimula- 

 ted by a dry spell following a period suitable to the reproduction of 

 the species, when the soil is damp, undisturbed and rich in humus. 

 They usually occur on medium or heavy soil and are inhibited or 

 destroyed by extreme drought. Breeding is probably inhibited by 

 moderately dry weather. The species may be beneficial in aiding 

 the breakdown of humus, but is a potential danger to growing 

 crops and may even attack potatoes and mangolds if wire-worms 

 and other agricultural pests are present to make an initial entry 

 (Cloudsley-Thompson, 1950a). Schubart (1942) has given a com- 

 prehensive bibliography of the myriapods and their relation to 

 agriculture, and this has been supplemented by Remy (1950a), 

 while Brade-Birks (1930) has studied the economic status of the 

 British Diplopoda. 



Although it has long been assumed that myriapods possess 

 powers of taste and various antennary and gnathochilarial struc- 

 tures have been regarded as gustatory sense organs, the ability of 

 millipedes to react to contact chemical stimuli has only once or 

 twice been tested experimentally. In 1943, Lyford published an 

 interesting account of his experiments on the palatability of various 



