Bug ID? it hitch hiked in my orchid from Texas!!

[Dr. Dave 4u]

This little critter caught a ride in my orchid I ordered from Texas!

Can anyone tell me....
Is this just a common millipede type or is it a plant eating pest?

Seems he didn't like being drowned when I soaked the roots to get off the old medium and repot. Luckily there seemed to be no snails or other pests.

[aliceinwl]

Looks like it may be a Greenhouse Millipede (Oxidus gracilis)

[Dollythehun]

It is. Soak your pot in soapy water past the rim. You'll either drown them, or they'll skurry out.

[ArronOB]

Do they do any actual harm. We have them too and I’ve been thinking of them as harmless detritus feeders - more useful then harmful. Am I wrong ?

[Dollythehun]

I believe you are but, who wants them in the house?!
Additionallyy, I would worry that eventually they would harm the plant.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Oxidus gracilis eats decaying organic matter. When offered nothing but live roots and leaves, it doesn't eat. They are non-venomous, like all millipedes.

So, they are pretty much a non-pest.

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

Oxidus gracilis eats decaying organic matter. When offered nothing but live roots and leaves, it doesn't eat. They are non-venomous, like all millipedes.

So, they are pretty much a non-pest.

Good to know! Still ugly and not wanted as a houseguest.😂