Xystocheir dissecta

Xystocheir dissecta is a species of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae. It is found along the coast of Northern California. If threatened, X. dissecta can release a hydrogen cyanide gas, which has benzaldehyde as a byproduct. This defense works against most beetle predators, except Promecognathus.

Subspecies These three subspecies belong to the species Xystocheir dissecta: Xystocheir dissecta dissecta (Wood, 1867) Xystocheir dissecta microrama Shelley, 1996 Xystocheir dissecta taibona Chamberlin, 1912

References

Further reading

External resources PBS Digital Studios | Deep Look on YouTube : This Millipede and Beetle Have a Toxic Relationship