Miscellaneous Pests - Pests of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs and Flowers - page 429

1145

Family IULIDAE (snake millepedes)

Cylindroiulus londinensis (Leach)
syn. C. teutonicus (Pocock)
A black millepede
This widely distributed and often common millepede
sometimes causes damage to cultivated plants. Adults
(up to 50 mm long) are brownish black to black, the
body being of similar diameter throughout its length.

Tachypodoiulus niger (Leach) ( 1145 )
syn. T. albipes (Koch)
A black millepede
A common, black-bodied millepede that sometimes
causes damage to nursery and garden plants. Unlike that
of the previous species, the body is distinctly narrowed
at the hind end.

1145 A black millepede ( Tachypodoiulus niger ).

SYMPHYLIDS

Family SCUTIGERELLIDAE

LIFE HISTORY
Breeding occurs throughout the year, eggs being laid
near the soil surface in batches of up to 20. Eggs hatch
in 1-3 weeks, and nymphs reach maturity several
months later. Nymphs and adults feed on plant roots
when the soil is warm and moist. In dry conditions,
however, they migrate to deeper levels. Individuals are
capable of surviving for several years.

Scutigerella immaculata (Newport)
Glasshouse symphylid
A generally common soil-inhabiting pest of various
greenhouse and outdoor plants, including seedlings and
transplants. Widely distributed in Europe; also present
in North America and Hawaii.

DESCRIPTION
Adult: 5-9 mm long; body white, with 12 pairs of legs
and a pair of pointed anal cerci; antennae long. Egg:
white, rounded and sculptured. Nymph: white, with
from six to ten pairs of legs (additional pairs being
added at each moult).

DAMAGE
Fine roots are grazed away, weakening and sometimes
leading to the death of infested seedlings and young
plants.