| Living Materials
Information
Millipedes
(Orthoporus
texicolons)
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Materials |
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One
holding pail and lid, with 5 cm (2 in) of damp soil |
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Leaf litter |
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One
scissors |
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One
pair of disposable plastic gloves |
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Pieces of lettuce or mushrooms |
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| Millipede |
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Procedure
Before you transfer the millipedes from the shipping container to the holding pail, use the scissors to punch a few air holes in the lid of the holding pail.
Put a 5-cm (2-in) layer of damp soil on the bottom of the holding pail. Add some leaf litter.
Open the shipping container and gently tip the millipedes into the pail. You can store them anywhere that is not too cold or too hot.
If you need to keep the millipedes in the pail for more than a day, give them a small handful of fresh mushrooms or lettuce to feed on.
Note: Most of the organisms you receive should be in good condition.
However, it is possible that some may arrive damaged or dead. If this happens, contact your supplier immediately.
Maintaining the millipedes in the classroom
Add some decaying wood, bark, or more leaf litter to each terrarium. The millipedes
burrow into the soil or under the moss, seeking a dark, damp spot. Keep a supply of fresh mushrooms or lettuce in the school's refrigerator. Feed each millipede a few pieces every couple of days.
Note: When taken out of the security of a terrarium or other container, millipedes tend to defecate. On occasion, they may also give off a secretion from their stink glands. The secreted substance can cause mild irritation to mucous membranes (such as the eyes) or open cuts. In this event, immediately flush the area with water.
Whenever you or your students handle the millipedes, wear the plastic gloves provided in the kit. These disposable gloves should be worn only one time. Always make sure students wash their hands when they are finished observing and handling the millipedes.
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