Another Tiny Find : Pill Millipede

[Adam Savage]

While out in one of my favourite woods the other night, I came across this little fella. A fine example of a pill millipede (Glomeris marginata (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glomeris_marginata)).
Although small, these things are a marvel of nature. Just watching them move is interesting stuff. The way their armour plates glide over the next.
This one was a few inches from a juvenile (much smaller, with a yellowish, semi translucent shell). Not sure if it was the offspring (as there was only the one), or a potential next meal. Cannibalism in woodlice is pretty rare, but if they get hungry enough it can happen. I know these aren't strictly woodlice, but they are very closely related. It could be that the young was one of the first to hatch, as they breed during spring/summer, and hatch 2 months later.
Anyway, here's the piccies for anyone who's interested :)

Defined/contrasting shell...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/small%20animals%20and%20insects/DSC_0640_zpsd61a8c30.jpg (http://s1024.photobucket.com/user/crazysaint22/media/small%20animals%20and%20insects/DSC_0640_zpsd61a8c30.jpg.html)

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/small%20animals%20and%20insects/DSC_0639_zps9a07f0ad.jpg (http://s1024.photobucket.com/user/crazysaint22/media/small%20animals%20and%20insects/DSC_0639_zps9a07f0ad.jpg.html)

All those legs, telling you it's not your usual woodlouse...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/small%20animals%20and%20insects/DSC_0641_zps6ef6c3f7.jpg (http://s1024.photobucket.com/user/crazysaint22/media/small%20animals%20and%20insects/DSC_0641_zps6ef6c3f7.jpg.html)

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/small%20animals%20and%20insects/DSC_0644_zpsaa5054b2.jpg (http://s1024.photobucket.com/user/crazysaint22/media/small%20animals%20and%20insects/DSC_0644_zpsaa5054b2.jpg.html)

[Silverback]

T^

[MikeWilkinson]

T^

[Tigger004]

Very nice photography indeed :)

[Adam Savage]

Very nice photography indeed :)

lol, I only had my phone with me, so had to use a combination of head torch and the phone's built in flash. :D

[saxonaxe]

Good info..Something else I've learned, I wouldn't have known the difference between that little beastie and an ordinary Wood Louse. :)

[Adam Savage]

Good info..Something else I've learned, I wouldn't have known the difference between that little beastie and an ordinary Wood Louse. :)

I had to educate myself after finding it. I think the best way to get a good idea, is how much more of a "gloss" finish the pill millipede has, compared to the rustic "matt" look of the pill bug/woodlouse.
It doesn't look like it in the pictures, but this was about 3-4 times the size of a woodlouse too. Tried to use my finger for scale, but didn't really show it.
Thought I may have found a new species, but turns out they are already catalogued lol

[OakAshandThorn]

T^ Charming little fellow :).

[Adam Savage]

One of the more charming of the creepy crawlies I think, but all are interesting to find, photograph, and study :)
I'm always telling people to stop and look at the ground, purely for these little guys (and gals, as well as both lol). All too often we miss such tiny things, and they make up a vast portion of the ecosystem. They deserve a little of our time at least.

[Sar-ian]

T^:jumping-joy:

[shepherd]

T^