Firehead millipede

This millipede, found in Central and Southern Africa, can reach an impressive length of 20 to 26 cm.

When young, it has an orange head and a steel-grey body. Its colours darken as it ages.

Millipedes are soil engineers. As decomposers, they help speed up the breakdown of organic matter. In doing so, they increase nutrient availability and contribute to ecosystem balance.

This particular species is rarely seen in the wild. Locally, it is considered a mythical creature and is often associated with dark superstitions. As a result, awareness campaigns aimed at protecting ecosystems are working to highlight its ecological role and the importance of preserving it in its natural habitat.

Curling up for protection

Comme d’autres espèces de mille-pattes, le mille-pattes à tête flammée s’enroule sur lui-même lorsqu’il est dérangé.

Son exosquelette le protège, puisqu’il est constitué de plaques de calcaire.