Millipedes - Fascinating arthropods with many legs, mini documentary

Millipedes are among the oldest land dwellers on earth. They have an elongated body and countless pairs of legs. In fact, they have existed for over 400 million years. But despite their name, they never have exactly ‘a thousand feet’. Most species have between 30 and 400 legs, although the record is held by one species with up to 750 legs.
In contrast to their relatives, the centipedes, millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment instead of one. This difference makes them slower, but also more robust. While centipedes live as hunters, millipedes are peaceful herbivores that feed on dead plant parts, algae or fungi. Their body is usually flattened or cylindrical and protected by a hard chitinous armour that protects them from predators.
Millipedes prefer moist habitats such as deciduous forests, compost heaps or the upper layers of soil. In case of danger, many species curl up into a spiral-shaped ball or emit foul-smelling secretions that scare off enemies such as ants or birds. Some tropical species can even produce hydrocyanic acid.
Reproduction usually takes place by laying eggs in burrows. The larvae hatch with only a few segments and legs, but develop new limbs with each moult. Adults continue to moult, which is unique among arthropods.
Over 12,000 species have been described worldwide, mainly in tropical regions. Giant millipedes can reach lengths of up to 38 cm. Nevertheless, many species remain unexplored, especially in areas that are difficult to access.
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