The African Giant Train Millipede Natural History
Size
These giant millipedes can grow up to 33.5cm.
Habitat and Distribution
They inhabit forested areas of tropical and sub-tropical western Africa.
Diet
The African Giant Train Millipede will feed on a range of fruits, vegetables and rotting leaves.
Groups and Breeding
A female will lay her eggs in the substrate and will not guard the nest. Hundreds of young will emerge after three months.
Threats
This species faces few threats in the wild. However, as land is developed and mined, the decaying forest food source on which it feeds becomes less abundant.
Interesting facts
An adult giant millipede has approximately 256 legs. However this number can vary slightly between individuals and on how many times they have moulted.
The African Giant Train Millipede During Your Day Out in Kent
The African Giant Train Millipedes at can be found in our Bug Garden, we are currently home to four of them and their names are Ted, Sheila, Sandra and Bill. This area is home to a wide variety of invertebrates including many species of tarantulas, cockroaches, and white-clawed crayfish.
The more you know…
Want to know more about this animal? Check out our keeper blogs about them here.