SAY HELLO TO THE MILLIPEDE WHO WOULD RATHER DIE THAN OPEN UP

The name “millipede” is derived from the Latin word for “thousand feet”. Other vernacular names include “thousand-legger” or simply “diplopod”.

Millipedes are a group of arthropods that are characterized by having two pairs of jointed legs on most body segments; they are known scientifically as the class Diplopodia; the name being derived from this feature.

Most millipedes are slow-moving detritivores who have very elongated cylindrical or flattened bodies with more than 20 segments.

They are generally black or brown in color, although there are a few brightly colored species, and some have aposematic coloring to warn that they are toxic.

Millipedes are some of the oldest known land animals. The scientific study of millipedes is known as diplopodology, and a scientist who studies them is called a diplopodologist.

Millipedes occur in all continents except Antarctica, and occupy almost all terrestrial habitats.

Despite the common name, no millipede has been discovered with 1,000 legs: common species have between 34 and 400 legs, and the record is held by Illacme plenipis, with individuals possessing up to 750 legs — more than any other creature on Earth.

Millipedes have also inspired and played roles in scientific research. In 1963, a walking vehicle with 36 legs was designed, said to have been inspired by a study of millipede locomotion.