This species of millipede looks rather similar to a woodlouse, and this can often lead to some confusion in identification. Its common name refers to its habit of rolling into a tight ball to protect itself from predation and to prevent itself from drying out. It is greyish-brown to blackish in colour, with about 11 tight-fitting calcareous plates running down its body. It has numerous legs.
It feeds on various rotting plant material, and helps to recycle soil nutrients.
A common and widespread species throughout Britain, except the far north where it is absent
Nature Journeys 
Another fascinating observation from you. I am enjoying them.
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I am pleased you are enjoying them. Thank you!
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The nature is beautiful as usually. 😊
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The nature sure is 🙂
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Now, this is a millipede I can approve of. The darned thing really is attractive, especially when it’s all rolled up.
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They shape it forms and the lines are really pretty. And you don’t have to chase them down with your camera either 🙂
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An absolutely fantastic adaptation to be able to form a ball of armor, magnificent images as always.
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Thank you, Hans 🙂 It is a fantastic adaptation as you say.
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Those images of it rolled into a ball are amazing 👍👍.
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Thank you, Ted 🙂 At least they stay put in this stance and you haven’t got to chase them with your lens 🙂
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Until a breeze rolls them away…
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Wish I was that flexible (lol)!
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lol! And me, too! 🙂
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They are pretty and curl up to such a perfect shape. Great shots.
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Thank you! 🙂 They are so perfect 🙂
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It’s quite attractive when in stealth position. 😉
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The ball is certainly quite something 🙂
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Another new one to me. What a marvelously effective ball it forms; it somehow reminds me of a nautilus.
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And they form that ball almost instantly. So tight you could not get a paper thick wedge in the joint.
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Looks like polished wood! Amazing little creature.
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I thought exactly the same thing abut the polished wood, too 🙂
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These are such great shote, Pete. I usually don’t enjoy seeing them, but these shots should be in their headshot portfolio! 🙂
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Thank you very much, Jane 🙂
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That tight ball is an elegant form provided by nature!
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It is elegant as you say, Ellen 🙂
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Fascinating.
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I love this “form”. They are kind of attractive. I think I am often fascinated, when something in nature is not quite round or organic, but graphic. The shape here is really nice. Great shot!
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Thank you 🙂 It is a fascinating form !
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Such great shots! 🙂
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Thank you, Julie 🙂
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