Archispirostreptus gigas

Archispirostreptus gigas is a large spirostreptid millipede native to tropical Africa. Commonly called the giant African millipede, it coils its body when disturbed and feeds mainly on decaying plant matter.

Millipede: A many-legged arthropod in the class Diplopoda, typically with two pairs of legs on most trunk segments. This species is a millipede, with the class’s characteristic segmented body and paired leg-bearing rings.
Defensive coiling: A behavior in which an animal curls its body to shield vulnerable surfaces from attack. When threatened, the millipede curls into a spiral that protects its softer underside.
Detritus food web: An ecosystem food web based on dead organic matter and the organisms that consume or decompose it. Feeding on decaying vegetation places this millipede within the detrital pathway.
Archispirostreptus: A genus of large spirostreptid millipedes native to Africa. Archispirostreptus gigas is the genus’s best-known species.
Spirostreptida: An order of millipedes whose members typically have long, cylindrical bodies and coil when threatened. Archispirostreptus gigas belongs to this order of cylindrical, defensive millipedes.
Millipede chemical defense: The use of defensive secretions by millipedes to deter predators and other threats. Its defensive glands release irritating compounds when the animal is handled or attacked.
Decomposition: The breakdown of dead organic matter into simpler substances by physical, chemical, and biological processes. Its feeding and waste contribute to the processing of dead plant material.
Spirostreptidae: A family of long-bodied millipedes in the order Spirostreptida. This species is classified within the family Spirostreptidae.
Arthropod exoskeleton: A rigid external covering made mainly of chitin and proteins that supports and protects an arthropod’s body. Its hardened outer covering protects the millipede and must be shed for growth.
Benzoquinone: An aromatic organic compound found in the defensive secretions of some millipedes. Benzoquinones are among the compounds reported in this species’ defensive secretions.

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MyriapodaBroader topic: Its enormous size illustrates the range possible within a many-legged lineage.