Scientists have discovered a new species and five previously unknown subspecies of tropical millipedes. The fascinating and strange creatures were found in the remote rainforests of Tanzania during research into the effects of climbing plants and climate change on forest health.
The new arthropods have completely unique flat heads, and more than 200 legs each. These reptiles will serve an important ecological purpose in diagnosing the condition of rainforest at risk. Because millipede thrive on decomposing plant material, their diversity and numbers reflect the overall health of the forest.