Giant African Millipede

arthropods · Africa · creepy-crawlies · superlatives

Mega-long bug. The giant African millipede can grow up to 33.5 centimeters long, which is about the length of a standard school ruler. It's the biggest millipede species alive today.

Leg changes. This millipede has around 256 legs, but the exact number isn't the same for every individual. The leg count actually changes each time the millipede molts, or sheds its outer skin to grow bigger.

Chunky body. These millipedes are not just long, they're also thick and solid. Their circumference, or how wide around they are, can measure up to 67 millimeters, making them pretty hefty creatures.

African home. This species is native to Africa and is known by local names like shongololo or Bongololo. They're found in various African regions where they live in soil and leaf litter on the forest floor.