# Giant African Millipede (*Archispirostreptus gigas*)

The Giant African Millipede is a long, squiggly creature that loves to munch on leaves! They can curl up into a ball when they feel scared.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Tropical forests
- **Also known as:** African Giant Millipede, American Giant Millipede, Giant Millipede

![Giant African Millipede](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426259/objects/5538.jpg)

## Appearance

The Giant African Millipede has a large, segmented, cylindrical body, typically dark brown or black, often with reddish-brown legs. Its shiny exoskeleton and numerous tiny legs make it distinct from insects, appearing like a long, living train.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Diplopoda
- **Order:** Spirostreptida
- **Family:** Spirostreptidae
- **Genus:** Archispirostreptus

## Interesting facts

- It's not an insect! It's a myriapod, part of a different animal group.
- Males have special 'gonopods' instead of legs for mating, found near their head.
- Some GAMPs can make a unique squeaking sound when they feel scared!
- They shed their skin, called molting, to grow even bigger and stronger!

## Special abilities

- **Nature's Recycler:** Giant African Millipede helps break down dead plants and leaves, turning them into rich soil for new life to grow.
- **Defensive Curl:** Giant African Millipede can curl into a tight spiral, protecting its soft underside from predators and danger.
- **Stinky Shield:** Giant African Millipede can release a yellowish, foul-smelling liquid to deter predators when threatened.

## Measurements & details

- **Size:** 180-300 mm
- **Lifespan:** 1825-2555 days
- **Leg Count:** 250

## Diet & Feeding

These gentle giants munch on decaying leaves and rotting wood, helping to recycle nutrients.

- **Primary Foods:** Decaying leaves, Rotting wood, Fruit, Fungi
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** African Thrush (*Turdus pelios*) — A common bird that preys on millipedes in its habitat.
- **Eaten by:** Forest Cobra (*Naja melanoleuca*) — A large snake that hunts various ground invertebrates.
- **Eaten by:** African Giant Shrew (*Crocidura olivieri*) — Small mammal that eats insects and other invertebrates.

## Traits

- [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
- [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
- [Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rainforest): This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
- [Giant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/giant): Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)
- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Giant African Millipede?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How big is Giant African Millipede?

180-300 mm

### How long does Giant African Millipede live?

1825-2555 days

### What does Giant African Millipede eat?

These gentle giants munch on decaying leaves and rotting wood, helping to recycle nutrients.

### Where is Giant African Millipede usually found?

Tropical forests

### How does Giant African Millipede hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does Giant African Millipede have?

250

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Giant African Millipede: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/giant-african-millipede)