This millipede is easily recognised. It has many segments and coils into a loose spiral and releases a pungent yellowish fluid when disturbed. This behaviour is also seen in Eumastigonus species but the body is relatively shorter and fatter and has two reddish-brown stripes or series of spots on each side of the body. It is very common in Northland but is rarely seen and highly localised within its southern limits in Waikato and Bay of Plenty. It is one of the few millipedes that are common in the Kauri forest.