Millipedes

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Flat-backed Millipedes (Polydesmus sp.), like the one above, get their name from the broad extensions to their body armour which gives them a flattened appearance.  There are several similar species, with body colour varying between dull yellow and dark brown  As a defence mechanism they can secrete almond smelling fluids (cyanide) to repel predators.

White-legged Millipedes (Tachypodoiulus niger) like the one above are long, slender creatures with around 40 cylindrical body segments.

To protect themselves from predators they can coil up, like a watch spring, and secrete a pungent fluid from their sides.

Pill Millipedes (Glomeris marginata) like the one above are dark brown in colour with a cream coloured margin.  They are found more frequently in the south and east of the U.K. and are absent from the north of Scotland.  Like other millipedes they feed on dead plant matter but they are especially fond of beech leaves.

Pill Millipedes are quite similar in appearance to Pill Woodlice, but if you turn one over you'll notice it has many more legs.

When disturbed Pill Millipedes can roll their body into an elongated ball shape, and as an extra defence they can secrete fluids to repel predators.  As the name suggests, the Pill Woodlouse can also roll into a ball, but you'll notice that it can't quite seal itself completely.  There is always a little gap.