Giant African Train Millipede

They can secrete a foul fluid from their body pores to deter predators.

All about Giant African Train Millipede

Order:

Spirostreptida

Family:

Spirostreptidae

Group:

Diplopoda

Lifespan:

5-7 years

Gestation:

Eggs hatch 3 months after being laid - they lay hundreds at a time

Habitat:

Rainforest floor

Diet:

Dead and decaying organic matter such as trees, plants and logs

Conservation Status:

Unclassified

The Giant African Train Millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas) is the largest of the world's 10,000 species of millipedes.

Millepede means 1000 legs, however they do not have 1000 legs! Instead they have 4 legs per segment and have between 30 and 40 segments.

They do not bite or sting, unlike centipedes, which have venom in their fangs.

When threatened they curl up into a ball.