The Millipede That Can Literally Glow in the Dark—and Releases Cyanide

Found in only one mountain range on Earth, this tiny creature lights up like neon and oozes poison when touched.

In the dark forests of California’s Sierra Nevada, scientists discovered an almost alien organism: Motyxia, a genus of bioluminescent millipedes. These thumb-sized arthropods glow with a green-blue light, not to attract mates or prey—but to warn predators that they’re toxic. When threatened, they release hydrogen cyanide gas from their pores—yes, actual cyanide. Unlike other glowing species like fireflies, Motyxia are blind, nocturnal, and glow constantly. Their light comes from special cells that don’t use the usual luciferin pathway—making their glow biologically unique.

“They’re like glowing death sausages. You touch one, you get a dose of cyanide.”

~ Dr. Paul Marek, entomologist and lead researcher on Motyxia

“It’s a brilliant case of evolutionary honesty. The glow says ‘back off’—and it means it.”

~ Dr. Petra Sierwald, Field Museum of Natural History

“Most people never notice them, but they’re a glowing warning hidden in plain sight.”

~ Lynn Bains, naturalist, Sierra Nevada field notes

“It’s the only bioluminescent millipede genus we know of—and it glows from birth.”

~ Dr. Wendy Moore, University of Arizona

“They’re not trying to impress. They’re trying to survive—and they do it with light and poison.”

~ Dr. Bruce Baldwin, UC Berkeley

Knock-on effect: The unique biochemistry of Motyxia is now being studied to create non-toxic glowing materials for medical imaging and biological sensors. Its glow-in-the-dark genes might help develop new ways to track cancer cells or tag environmental toxins. The millipede that glows and poisons could light the path to future health breakthroughs.