If you are not a fan of bugs then today’s featured animal may gross you out…especially if you don’t like BIG bugs. Yes, the African Giant Millipede is quite large and it will probably give you the heebie-jeebies but I promise that by the end of today’s Wild Fact, you will be once again amazed with the wonders of nature. To catch a glimpse of our featured bug we need to take a trip to the tropical and sub-tropical locations found throughout Africa. If you never want to come across these creatures then I suggest staying away form Mozambique or Kenya (or any place in between). But for today, we are going to venture on and learn about the worlds largest millipede species.
The Million Dollar Question
So just how big is the African Giant Millipede? These beautiful creatures can grow up to 38.5 cm (15″) in length and carry this long body on 256 legs. Yes, I know the term “Millipede” is suppose to mean they have at least a 1000 legs but the person naming them definitely mis-counted. Most millipedes will have hundreds of legs…not thousands. Getting back to their size, does that not impress you? Imagine holding a millipede that is over a foot long. Yeah, that sends shivers down my spine too.
Defensive Minded
The African Giant Millipede has a few special defence mechanisms. The first is fairly simple. If threatened this large arthropod will simply curl up into a spiral, which is similar to playing dead for other animals like the opossum. The second stage of defence is the release of a harmful secretion from the pores of their body. This irritating liquid should be enough to deter most predators and can even be harmful to humans if you get it in your eyes or mouth. This is why you need to make sure you wash your hands after handling an African Giant Millipede.
Handling a 15″ Millipede…Are you Crazy?!?
Okay, so you may be thinking that you would have to be crazy to be touching one of these large millipedes. Believe it or not, this giant arthropod is actually quite popular in the pet trade industry and will actually make decent pets. Given their size, you can probably put a leash on them to go for a nice neighbourhood stroll – I am just kidding, please don’t try putting a leash on your pet millipede. So the next time your child is begging you to get a dog, perhaps you can convince them to get a nice, docile pet such as the African Giant Millipede.
