Aromatic Cherry Millipede

Apheloria corrugata is a species of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae. Also known as the aromatic cherry millipede, this species emits defensive chemicals that smell like cherries or almonds. These chemicals include benzaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide and are toxic to predators that might eat this millipede. A single millipede of this species can produce enough cyanide to kill six mice or 18 pigeons. Although this millipede emits amounts too small to harm humans, authorities recommend...