Kivsyak - unusual creatures near us

Among the millipedes of saprophytophages feeding on plant debris, a large group of interesting arthropods, the nodules, stands out. Terrestrial invertebrates are common in tropical and temperate latitudes. In forests, they contribute to the destruction of fallen leaves and the formation of humus. With insufficient moisture in the soil, crawl out to eat juicy green shoots. Despite the fact that the nod is enclosed in a shell, it is sensitive to sunlight, the level of moisture and oxygen in the soil.

Kivsyaki: large and small millipedes

In your garden or in the garden you can see a millipede that looks like a worm. In Russia, it is small in size, but the inhabitants of the tropics reach a length of about 30 cm. This nod is a representative of the class of two-legged millipedes. A feature of their structure is the presence of two pairs of legs on each segment of the body. Kivsyaki are close relatives of insects, but still relate to animals. Scientists have described more than 8 thousand species. Most of them live in Asia, North Africa, Australia. But even in temperate latitudes, representatives of this family feel great.
In the vast Kivsyaki family, there are three groups:

1. Julida - Yulides or real nibbers live in Asia and Europe. The length of their bodies corresponds to the width in a proportion of 10: 1. Representatives of this species live in Russia. Millipedes settle in mixed and deciduous forests, meadows, shrubs, climb in the steppe. Spotted nods live in the middle lane, and Crimean in the south.
2. Spirobolida - this order includes large species of millipedes. They are found in Australia, Africa, Southeast Asia. The average size of representatives is 20 cm. Individuals with bright coloring are found. Chicobolus spinigerus is a representative of the detachment living in the southeastern United States. Body length from 40 to 90 mm. The color is uneven, the gray color of the back on the sides and abdomen turns into yellowish-beige.
3. Spirostreptida - representatives of the squad live in a tropical region. They have a large head, many have developed vision. The total number of species reaches 1000. The largest species is nibbled gigas or Archispirostreptus gigas. The sizes of adults reach 38 cm. Under natural conditions, settles in burrows and forest litter.

Appearance and structure

The body of an adult consists of 30 or more segments. The photo shows that Kivsyak has paired limbs.

It can be divided into two parts - the first three segments are endowed with one pair of legs, followed by double segments with double limbs. The shape of the body is round in section, it helps to easily move around in the ground. Millipedes feed on plant debris, can eat up roots, shoots, fruits. In the forest litter, the leaves are destroyed, they are processed, fertilizing the soil. Breathing is performed through the trachea, there are stigmas on the body segments - respiratory openings. Millipede kivsyak has a multi-chamber heart, and the nervous system is connected to the brain. In many species, vision is weak or absent. The sensory organs are the antennae.

Information. Millipedes move in a special way.The forelimbs are the first to engage, then a kind of wave passes through the body, from the connecting legs.

Protective gear

The body of two-legged millipedes or diplopods is divided into segments. Each of them is protected on all sides by shields, fused into a common shell. This chitinous cover is necessary for sedentary creatures. It does not allow the body to dry out, protects from damage and predators. Another protective mechanism is the poisonous glands on the lateral parts of the segments. In case of danger, they release a special secret with a pungent odor. In most species, it is not dangerous to humans. Only some tropical millipedes can cause chemical burns to the skin. It is important to prevent liquid from entering the eyes and mucous membranes. The natural enemies of kivsyak are reptiles and birds, the poisonous secret scares off many predators.

Attention. In most cases, feeling threatened, nods curl up in a tight spiral, covering the abdomen and legs. Some species have a warning color.

Breeding

Diplopods are divided into males and females. Propagation of nodding occurs after spermatophore fertilization. On the third segment of the female body there is a genital opening. The male, when mating, places a sperm capsule in it - a spermatophore. The pair is intertwined with honey for a long time, not reacting to what is happening around. Special conditions are needed for breeding - temperature 25-28⁰ and humidity 85%. The female builds a nest of soil and excrement into which she lays eggs.

Mating centipedes Appearing larvae differ from adults in size and number of segments. After birth, the larvae have only three pairs of legs. The first months, the offspring does not rise to the surface, where danger lies in wait. They feed on the remains of plants in depth. Over the course of their life, the larvae go through several lines, after each body it increases by several segments and pairs of legs. Kivsyaki live 5-7 years, in favorable conditions up to 10.

Pests of cultivated plants

Gardeners often find kivsyakov on strawberries. You can notice them only on a cloudy day. The pest is hiding from the sun, it is active at night. Signs of damage are holes in the berries, sometimes a larva appears in them. Strawberries become unfit for food.

In the cold and wet season, millipedes damage the roots of plants and root crops - carrots, beets, radishes. Damage to the garden is caused by mottled nods. This species has a light color with red spots on the segments. Depending on age, it is brown or black, lives 4-5 years. Its length is 8-14 mm. Females lay up to 70 eggs in the soil. After birth, the larvae have only three pairs of legs. The development of millipedes from larva to adult lasts 1-3 years.

Information. An overwhelming population of nibs can harm crops. They are able to eat an amount of food in excess of their own weight per day.

Types of kivsyakov

Among the common and well-studied types of diplopods, the following are distinguished:

Sandy nodding

One of the species of millipedes, common in Russia. The color is black, on the back are two bright orange stripes located longitudinally. It occurs in bright forests - pine, oak, beech or in the fields. Prefers sandy soil with leafy litter. Body length 25-45 mm, feeds on rotten fruits and plant debris. Leads a nocturnal lifestyle.

Olive nod

A large representative of the family of millipedes living in the tropical forests of Africa. The length of individuals is 22-24 cm. They prefer to be selected for food at dusk. The main body color is olive, in addition, each segment is colored with red-brown rings. The legs are striped, the antennae are olive. The number of body segments during life reaches 68-75. When maintaining the house, it is advisable to purchase a large terrarium. Millipede prefers night coolness, it is recommended to lower the temperature in the evening to 21-22⁰.

The content of olive nodules is quite simple, you will need a layer of soil in which you can dig holes. The pet quickly gets used to the person.He rarely releases poisonous secrets, gladly crawls on his hands. No food preferences, give rotten wood, leaves, fruits. To increase the level of calcium, crushed eggshells or shells are added to the diet.

Rainbow nod

Diplopod has a spectacular color, iridescent in several colors. The main tone of the body is blue-gray, a black ring on each segment. On the back there is a longitudinal red stripe, limbs, antennae and head are painted in the same color. On the tail a process in the form of a spike. The body length is 10-12 cm. His homeland is Southeast Asia. When maintaining the house, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarity of the species - nod bites when hungry. It does not harm a person; rather, it reminds of duties.

Crimean kivsyak

Among the centipedes of Crimea, nodding stands out for its harmlessness. Small representative of its kind (4-5 cm). Coloring - dark gray with steel tint. This slow creature can be found swarmed in the foliage of the park, crawling along paths and walls. Surprisingly, the number of legs of a nibble is 740. This species does not bite, its discharge is not poisonous, but it has an unpleasant smell.

Madagascar nod

Representatives of this species do not differ in large sizes, their length is 10-12 cm. Bright color has brought popularity to millipedes - the upper part of the body segments is red, they are separated by dark rings. The legs are orange. The habitat is Madagascar.

Giant nod

Large millipedes are interesting for home maintenance. The giant nodding, reaching a length of 30 cm, is a welcome pet of the terrarium. His body is black, shiny, limbs red. Fans of exotic animals contain them in home insectariums - plastic containers with a layer of soil and plants. Seeing the giant, many are wondering if nodding is dangerous to humans? A peaceful creature can be picked up, the main thing is not to scare him. Millipede emits a toxic secret that irritates the mucous membranes.

Giants with good care live up to 12 years. They do everything slowly, even the pregnancy of the female lasts 6 weeks. She lays eggs in the soil, larvae live there, until they grow up.

Desert nod

The native inhabitant of the USA and Mexico grows up to 12-14 cm. Its coloring under the color of desert soil is reddish-brown. The millipede is able to do without water for a long time, there is bark and leaves of shrubs. Active during the rainy season, with the onset of summer drought, it goes deep into the soil.

An unusual pet - how to care for a nod

Fans of exotic fauna should pay attention to tropical nods. Diplopods are unpretentious in nutrition and do not require special care. A large number of species allows you to choose an interesting instance. The colors and sizes of millipedes are presented for every taste. What does nibble eat? He is a vegetarian, but not picky. The diet includes: vegetables (cabbage, potatoes, carrots), cereals, fruits, cottage cheese. For normal life, they need a thick layer of soil with foliage and wood. It is necessary to mix lime with the substrate, it is a natural source of calcium. An important role in the digestion of millipedes is played by microorganisms living in the soil. You can not completely destroy the symbiotic union, when changing the litter, they necessarily leave part of the old.

Tip. Watch the condition of fruits and vegetables, replace rotten food with fresh.

In a box for keeping kivsyak it is necessary to control and maintain a certain temperature and humidity. Usually it's 23-28⁰ at a humidity of 70-90%. To maintain the necessary microclimate, frequent soil spraying is carried out. There must be ventilation holes. Peace-loving creatures can coexist in insectarians with various arthropods - wood lice, earwigs, or live in groups. African nodules often find themselves infected with ticks. After the purchase, they should be wiped with alcohol.

Tip. For normal molting, kivsyaku needs a large amount of calcium. If he does not accumulate enough mineral, he may die. The source of calcium in nature is hard leaves; at home, you can add calcium glycerophosphate powder.

The only minus of millipedes - they prefer to spend time burrowing in the soil. They appear on the surface at night, but they are afraid of light. They will have to watch in the twilight. When the time comes for molting, nodding is hiding for a long time in the underground dwelling. Dropping the shell takes two to four weeks. Caring for a nod requires removing it from the box. If the pet is not used to hands, it is better to wear thin medical gloves that protect the skin from secretions.