Rusty Millipede

Appearance: Elongated body with numerous segments, each bearing two pairs of legs.
Size: Typically reaches about 4 to 5 cm in length when fully grown.
Color: Bright rusty red or orange, which is where it gets its common name.

Distribution: Originally native to Southeast Asia, but has been introduced to many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of Africa, the Americas, and islands in the Pacific.
Natural Habitat: Prefers moist environments with abundant organic matter. Commonly found in leaf litter, under logs, and within decaying wood in gardens, forests, and landscaped areas.

Diet: Primarily detritivorous, feeding on decaying leaves, wood, and other plant materials. This diet helps decompose organic matter, contributing to soil health and nutrient cycles.
Interaction with Ecosystem: Acts as a soil aerator and contributes to the breakdown of organic material, enhancing the microbial activity in the soil.

Reproduction: Like other millipedes, T. corallinus reproduces by laying eggs in the soil. The young millipedes, which look like smaller versions of adults, go through several molts before reaching maturity.
Activity Patterns: Mostly nocturnal, becoming active at night to avoid predation and conserve moisture.

Status: Not currently considered at risk. In some regions, its introduction and establishment as an invasive species may impact local ecosystems, although significant negative impacts are rarely reported.
Management Practices: Generally, no specific conservation measures are needed unless it becomes problematic in specific settings. In managed environments like greenhouses or conservatories, keeping moisture levels controlled and removing excess organic debris can help manage population levels.

Ongoing research could include studying its impact in non-native environments, its role in soil health, and effective natural control methods in settings where it is considered invasive.