Hello Christopher,

Those are American giant millipedes or ironworms, Narceus americanus-annularis species complex

Best regards,

Howard

The following was taken from the Millipedes of Ohio

DESCRIPTION: The American Giant Millipede, or Ironworm,

is Ohio’s largest and most distinctive millipede. It is currently

classified as a species complex, based on morphological and

genetic evidence, a problem for future taxonomists to resolve.

It is found statewide, particularly in forested regions of the

state. It is easily identified by its large size, gray to black rings

with red caudal stripes, and red legs and antennae. It is an

easily-startled gentle giant, and if picked up, curls into a loose

spiral. It may defecate and release its chemical defenses, which

are smelly and harmless, but can stain human skin. Ironworms

are most often found in moist deciduous forests, but can tolerate

a wide range of environments and are sometimes found

in drier areas. They can be found in leaf litter and under rocks,

logs, or loose bark. They often can be found crawling along

the ground or climbing on rock walls and overhangs. At night,

they are known to climb tree trunks. They feed on decaying

leaves and dead wood, and are sometimes found feeding on

mosses or lichens. Females of this species can lay egg batches

numbering from 70-260 eggs. Egg laying may occur in

both late spring and fall, and females deposit eggs singly in

a 3 mm wide ball of compressed mud and feces. These look

similar to their normal feces, but contain a small chamber inside

that holds the egg. This species complex is widespread

in North America, and can be found from Texas to Minnesota

and east to the Atlantic Coast. It can be found in forested areas

throughout Ohio, but is uncommon in the Till Plains and

Lake Plains regions