Giant Pill Millipede
Procyliosoma
Their Story
The giant pill millipede might look like a shiny dark cherry-sized ball—but when it unrolls at night, it reveals a multitude of legs quietly working the forest floor. Endemic to Aotearoa and surviving here in the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary’s pest-free native forest, its presence is a sign of ecological depth and recovery.
Conservation Status
Pill millipedes are considered not threatened with extinction, but rely on intact forest to flourish.
Food
Mostly nocturnal, giant pill millipedes unfurl at night to feed on decaying wood, fallen leaves and other detritus—playing a vital role in nutrient recycling.
These compact millipedes are distinguished by their ability to roll up into a near-perfect ball (called conglobation), hiding head and legs entirely beneath glossy plates. Each segment (tergite) overlaps the next, forming a protective shield. Colours vary from dark brown to black-shiny, with adult sizes comparable to a large marble or cherry.
Mostly nocturnal, giant pill millipedes unfurl at night to feed on decaying wood, fallen leaves and other detritus—playing a vital role in nutrient recycling. During the day they remain curled into protective balls beneath logs, bark or leaf-litter—a clever adaptation that shields them from predators and the elements.
Adults mature slowly and have relatively low reproductive output. Females lay eggs in moist forest litter or under logs. Hatchlings emerge as miniature adults and gradually grow through years of forest debris-rich habitat. Their longevity and slow life-history make intact forest and protected conditions crucial for their survival.
The genus Procyliosoma comprises three described species endemic to Aotearoa, with other species endemic to Australia and Tasmania. They live in moist, mature native forest rich in leaf-litter and rotting logs. Within the Brook Sanctuary’s beech-podocarp forest, the abundance of these millipedes reflects the Sanctuary’s old growth and organic substrate build-up.
Giant pill millipedes are not considered threatened with extinction, however these species have suffered declines due to the loss and degradation of mature forest. Their survival is enhanced inside pest-free sanctuaries like Brook Waimārama.
Pill millipedes are rarely spotted during the day, hiding beneath logs and litter. Come nightfall however, these strange invertebrates become conspicuous. They seem to be very common in the moister areas of the Sanctuary, becoming very large.
Millipedes are the modern relatives of an ancient group of arthropods known as Diplopods. These ‘double legged’ segmented invertebrates arrived on the scene more than 400 million years ago, tens of millions of years before vertebrates emerged onto land. The largest millipede(and terrestrial invertebrate) to ever live was Arthropleura of the Carboniferous period, which grew over 2 metres long
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🌿 Discover something truly special at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is the South Island’s largest fully fenced sanctuary for endangered plants and animals, with 14.3km of pest-proof fencing protecting 690 hectares of precious native forest.
Our thriving Sanctuary supports the return of rare and threatened species like kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeet), Powelliphanta snails, tuatara, kiwi pukupuku, and the recently arrived kākā.
Bursting with native life that delights and surprises, it’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand’s bush, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the land and its mauri (life force) with 15kms of public tracks to explore.
✨ Our Vision: to be a nationally-recognised eco-sanctuary known for its leading conservation practices – a place where wildlife, education, and research thrive together.
👉 Plan your visit, support conservation, or get involved today, every step helps protect this incredible sanctuary for future generations.
@nelsontasmannz @nelsoncitycouncil
#brookwaimāramasanctuary #nelsontasman #nature #newzealand
Apr 20
𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 🍃
Gather at The Beech Glade classroom, within the beautiful Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, for a gentle and grounding hour of guided meditation in nature.
This session weaves together simple seated and walking practices designed to help focus and quieten the mind, supporting a deeper experience of presence and awareness. Surrounded by the sounds and stillness of the natural world, you’ll be invited to slow down, reconnect, and come home to Presence.
🌳 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month (starting 10th May), 9:00–10:00am
💦 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: Meet at The Glade (please arrive 15 mins early to allow time to walk in)
🔥 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐚: $5–$10 donation, paid in cash directly to meditation teacher
🍃 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Not required, just turn up to the session.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠:
➡️Something comfortable to sit on such as a cushion or folded blanket (There are some plastic chairs and wooden benches available. If you wish to sit on the floor you may wish to bring a yoga mat as well)
➡️A blanket to keep warm
➡️Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲:
🌳Sanctuary Members: Free of charge as per annual membership
🌳Non-Sanctuary Members: Early-bird special of $10 per adult (This provides an opportunity for guests/visitors to explore after the session)
All are welcome—whether you’re new to meditation or have an established practice.
#MindfulnessInNature #GuidedMeditation #NatureMeditation #ForestBathing
#PresencePractice #brookwaimāramasanctuary
Apr 18
There’s something special about spotting a ruru (morepork) in the quiet of Brook Waimārama Sanctuary 🌿
These striking moments were captured by photographer Chris Bernard while exploring the Sanctuary. Ruru are often heard and occasionally seen on our guided night tours.
Ruru are known for their iconic “more-pork” call, heard throughout the night, as well as a repetitive “quork-quork”, a rising “quee” call often mistaken for kiwi, and a yelping call similar to that of the little owl. 🦉✨
Learn more about ruru on our website:
🔗www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/nature-wildlife/ruru
@chrisbernard1520
#ruru #nelsontasmannz #brookwaimaramasanctuary #birdsnz
Apr 14
A rare and special sighting on one of our night tours — a kiwi pukupuku out exploring under the cover of darkness 🌙
Our night tours have been incredibly popular, with many groups hearing kiwi calls throughout the sanctuary, and on lucky nights, even spotting one in the wild like this.
We currently have limited spaces available for this Saturday and Monday night tours.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the sanctuary after dark — it’s something truly unforgettable.
Thanks to the team @mdoutdoorsnz for the new head torches.
Book now to secure your spot. 🎟
@nelsontasmannz
#kiwi #kiwipukupuku #wildlifeNZ #nzwildlife #conservation #sanctuary #nighttour #naturelovers
Apr 8
Rain doesn’t stop nature… it awakens it 🌧️🌿
At Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, wet weather brings the forest to life — leaves glisten, streams flow stronger, and the sounds of birds echo through the valley. It’s a different kind of magic.
Reconnect with nature, slow down, and experience the sanctuary in its most vibrant state.
Don’t wait for sunshine — some of the best moments happen in the rain. @nelsontasmannz
#brookwaimarama #ReconnectWithNature #RainyDayMagic #NelsonNZ #natureescape
Apr 8
🌿🐾 We’re OPEN today! 🐾🌿
Looking for something fun to do this Easter Monday? Come on out to Brook Waimārama Sanctuary and dive into nature! 🌞
Wander our beautiful tracks, listen for birdsong, and see what you can discover along the way. It’s the perfect excuse to get outside, stretch your legs, and enjoy a little adventure.
Fresh air, native wildlife, and good vibes are waiting… see you soon! 💚
Apr 5
