Nanogona polydesmoides (Leach, 1814)

Distribution

This species is common and widespread throughout Britain and Ireland. 

Kime (2004) describes its continental distribution as strictly Atlantic. Outside of Britain and Ireland it occurs mainly in France but is very local in Belgium, there is a single record from the west coast of Norway and an outlier population apparently belonging to this species is found in northern Italy. 

Habitat

Blower (1985) noted it was the commonest millipede recorded from British caves, a habitat more typical in the south of its European range (Kime, 2001). Analysis of the habitat data confirms a strong association with caves and also with waste ground, especially in urban areas. However, it is found in a wide range of other habitats and has usually been considered a species of deciduous woodlands. Analysis of the environmental data shows, at most, a slight preference for calcareous soils but various authors have noted such a preference (Blower, 1985; Gregory & Campbell, 1996; Kime, 1978). Gordon Corbet (pers. comm.) reports the species as rare in non-calcareous natural sites in Scotland but frequent where there is concrete or mortar. Due to the strong association of the millipede with urban waste ground, these latter records may be masking any association with calcareous soils. 

Phenology

Adults have been found throughout the year but are most frequently recorded in the autumn and winter months. Although some individuals may survive for longer, Blower (1985) considered the species to be annual with egg-laying taking place from November to January.

This species account is based on Lee (2006).