What is the longest millipede in the world?

giant African millipede
Archispirostreptus gigas, known as the giant African millipede or shongololo, is the largest extant species of millipede, growing up to 33.5 centimetres (13.2 in) in length, 67 millimetres (2.6 in) in circumference….Archispirostreptus gigas.

Giant African millipede
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Myriapoda
Class: Diplopoda
Order: Spirostreptida

How big can millipedes get?

Millipedes can be tiny — about one-tenth of an inch long — but some species grow to be more than 10 inches long.

How big is a giant millipede?

4 to 12 inches
Giant African millipedes are a large arthropod, classified by a segmented body, an exoskeleton, and many, many legs! They are usually dark brown and black in color, have a rounded body, and range from 4 to 12 inches in length.

What is the biggest type of millipede?

The giant African millipede is the largest of the world’s 10,000 species of millipedes. Of the world’s millipedes, leg counts range from 36 to 400. They don’t actually have 1,000 legs, despite the name. A giant African millipede may have 30 to 40 segments, with 4 legs per segment.

Are giant millipedes poisonous?

Millipedes are not poisonous, but many species have glands capable of producing irritating fluids that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The defensive sprays of some millipedes contain hydrochloric acid that can chemically burn the skin and cause long-term skin discoloration.

Do giant millipedes bite?

While millipedes defend themselves like other animals, they don’t bite. Instead, millipedes can coil up into a ball when they feel threatened. In some instances, they can emit a fluid toxin from their glands to fight against predators such as: spiders.

Are millipedes safe to touch?

It is not advisable to handle millipedes with your bare hands. Persons handling millipedes may also notice a lingering odor on their hands. After contact with millipedes, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water until the odor is gone. The solvents ether or alcohol will also help remove the noxious fluid.

What happens if I touch a millipede?

Millipedes do not bite but may secrete a toxin that is irritating, causing burning and itching of the skin and, particularly when accidentally rubbed into the eye, causing redness, swelling, and pain of the conjunctiva or the cornea.

Are giant millipedes toxic?