Giant African Millipede

At the EcoTarium

By special appearance: The Giant African Millipede is one of the most intriguing residents of the EcoTarium. We’re often asked how we feed these unusual creatures. Our millipedes are given a blue jelly-like substance called Cricket Quencherä for water and nutrients. They're not currently on exhibit, but you can see them in public presentations, such as Animal Encounters.

About Millipedes

The largest of the millipede species, the Giant African Millipede has a segmented worm-like body reaching lengths of 8 to 11 inches. Each armored segment of their bodies has two sets of legs, which move independently. This gives them the appearance of having a million legs when they really have about 100. 

Giant African Millipedes inhabit warm, damp, dark habitats in tropical and subtropical Africa. They are slow-moving scavengers and can be found under moist debris and rotting wood, where they feed on old rotting material. Like earthworms, they are decomposers, breaking down material in the soil.

Their main line of defense against predators is to coil into a tight ball. They have a backup defense weapon, though. It is called repugnatorial fluid. Made up of quinos and hydrochloric acid, this fluid is secreted from glands on each segment of the Millipede's body. It smells foul and tastes worse. It is fairly harmless, though it should not be applied to the eyes or eaten. Giant African Millipedes do not usually give off this fluid unless they are provoked.

The non-aggressive nature of millipedes distinguishes them from centipedes, which can look similar. Centipedes are predators who aggressively bite and grab prey with their claws. Their glands produce a poison which is not deadly to humans, but can cause irritation or reactions. Centipedes also have fewer, larger legs located on the sides of their bodies.