This is one of the commonest millipedes but infrequently recorded due to the need to examine specimens microscopically. It is relatively large with a dark brown to black body and with brown mottling on the lower flanks. Males of the genus Ophyiulus can be recognised by their first pair of legs being modified into a sharply pointed sickle-shaped structure.

Could be confused with the White-legged Snake Millipede Tachypodoiulus niger.

• first pair of male legs modified into a sickle shape

Mainly woodland, often in leaf-litter.

Common and widespread

Common but under-recorded.