Anyone able to identify this nasty creature?

poisonivy · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 07 Apr 2010 Posts: 13

So digging through the soil I spot what looks like a skinny long yellow worm but it has lots of tiny little legs. There's quite a few of them and I haven't a notion what they are and what problems they may cause. I do have a picture but I can't seem to find my camera connector Rolling Eyes

I'll try and find it, but in the meantime, anyone have any ideas? I've just planted some really healthy pak choi and am now considering digging them up again and putting them in pots instead...

kindredspirit · Posted: Mon May 31, 2010 1:07 pm Post subject:

Is it these fellows?

poisonivy · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 07 Apr 2010 Posts: 13

Ooo, yes I think it might be. Mine don't have legs as long but maybe that's just when it is blown up... Or maybe it's a giant one?! Mine is more yellow, but it looks about the same. What are they?

kindredspirit · Posted: Mon May 31, 2010 4:27 pm Post subject:

It's a centipede and he's very upset that you called him a nasty creature! Shocked

In fact they're beneficial to a garden as they eat harmful insects, spiders etc. They usually live in damp places under flower pots, stones, logs etc.

walltoall · Posted: Mon May 31, 2010 6:38 pm Post subject: centipedes

One of my favourite garden creatures, kindred. I leave bits of oul sacking here and there in corners of the garden for them to shack up. Millipedes are similar but have four legs per body section and are scavengers whereas the centipedes are predators. A brilliant UK site for researching all types of garden friends foes residents and casual visitors is http://www.the-piedpiper.co.uk/

kindredspirit · Posted: Mon May 31, 2010 8:12 pm Post subject:

Found this article a moment ago by sheer accident.

http://www.gardenplansireland.com/articles/article60.html

polly · Posted: Mon May 31, 2010 8:30 pm Post subject:

hello poisinivy....you have a centipede in your garden. Consider it your friend.
They ear slugs and worms!!!

poisonivy · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 07 Apr 2010 Posts: 13

Ah thanks all. You'd think I'd know what a centipede looks like. Rest assured I have apologized to him and have named him Peedy! Laughing

Although, I must say, I think he's slacking when it comes to eating slugs!.... And I'd wish he'd eat some of my earwigs....

sirpsycho · Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 11:52 am Post subject:

Any holes developing in your pak choi plants poisonivy?

i recently planted out half a dozen plants in my allotment and now some of them have holes in the leaves. cant see what's attacking them Sad

I suspect flea beetle and I remember reading somewhere that you should plant them out in july to avoid the beetle. Anyone further info?

michael brenock · Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 12:47 pm Post subject:

the flea beetle is more common and plentiful in April and May so avoid sowing in those months. warm dry weather favours the development and spread.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)