Is it true that some millipedes can produce a corrosive substance? Just wondering as i may be working with a few soon and im just wondering if they are safe to handle.

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lucifus@hotmail.com - feel free to add.

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First I've heard of it but then I don't proclaim to know everything.

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Well I’m not sure if I would call it "corrosive", but the substance they produce as a defence mechanism is highly irritable to the skin if not washed off quickly.

Alex

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Ace ta.

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Worth noting that I've got over 40 millipedes all of which I handled when putting them into their tank but I've never had any secrete anything me. If you're worried then you can always use gloves.

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I have never had any secrete on my in the past either, but I did know they could do it.

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1,4 Benzoquinone to be precise is the main millipede excretion. Though there is a number of other chems.not particularly nice stuff, its carcinogenic.
The millis that excrete such chems are generally used by a number of animals to coat their furs as a deterrent to ectoparasites.

Should find loads of research into it too
Trains generally secrete a fair amount. its a secondary defense, after curling up tight.
Its a murky daark liquid.
iv never felt anything particular with it..just dont ingest it

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my a.gigas have given me lovely burgundy tattoos in the past ,
my narceus americanas have left orangey marks too.
neither were irritating or anything.
my flats on the other hand apparently have quite a substantial amount of cyanide in them.although ive not found any harmfull effects from handling them.
just make sure you wash your hands afterwards & you should be ok

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i dont think i will be trying it though , i'll stick with licking toads

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