Arthropod
Giant African Millipede
COMMON NAME: Giant African Millipede
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Archispirostreptus gigas
The Giant African Millipede is found in subtropical, Western Africa. They are detrivores, with a diet consisting of decaying organic material.
Millipedes are often confused with centipedes. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment, a rounded body, and a dull coloration, whilst centipedes have a single pair of legs per body segment, a flattened body and are often brightly colored.
This species has no eyes and navigates their environment using their antennae. They also have weak mouth parts and are largely incapable of inflicting a painful bite. When threatened, they will curl up and secrete a foul substance to deter predators.
Fun fact: Millipedes breathe through tiny holes along their exoskeleton, called spiracles.
Goliath Bird-Eating Tarantula
COMMON NAME: Goliath Bird-Eating Tarantula
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Theraphosa blondi
Also known as the Goliath Bird-Eating Tarantula, this South American specimen does not regularly feed on birds but are able to prey upon most animals smaller than themselves. Like all Tarantulas, their venom is not considered harmful to humans. However, like all New World Tarantulas, the Goliath possesses Urticating hairs that may be flicked toward a perceived threat. These hairs are covered in small barbs which may irritate eyes and skin. The Tarantula is quite fragile and if dropped from height, their abdomen may easily rupture.
Fun facts: This is regarded as the largest Tarantula in the world, with a leg span of up to eleven inches.
Jungle Nymph
COMMON NAME: Jungle Nymph
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Heteropteryx dilatata
The Jungle Nymph is a species of large stick insect found in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, where it feeds upon leaves, such as that of the Guava Tree.
Jungle Nymphs are sexually dimorphic, meaning that males and females differ in their appearance. The female is heavy bodied, with short wings and a bright green to yellow body which resembles a leaf rather than a stick. The male is thinner, has longer wings and is stick-like with a brown, mottled coloration.
Fun facts: Jungle Nymph bodies are covered in hard spines. When threatened, the female will raise her spiny hind legs and snap them together if a potential predator gets too close.
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
COMMON NAME: Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Gromphadorhina portentosa
Native to the island country of Madagascar, these large cockroaches are nocturnal and can be found beneath logs and amongst the leaf litter of the forest floor. They are detritivores, feeding on rotting organic matter. By removing decaying materials, they contribute to the health of the ecosystem.
Fun facts: This species ‘hisses’ by pushing air through respiratory orifices or ‘spiracles’ along either side of its body.
Striped Bark Scorpion
COMMON NAME: Striped Bark Scorpion
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Centruroides vittatus
TYPE: Invertebrate
DIET: Carnivore
GROUP NAME: -
LIFESPAN: 3 - 8 yrs
SIZE: 2 in
WEIGHT: -
STATUS: Not Listed
THREATS: None
FUN FACT: The scorpion is a nocturnal hunter and uses its senses of touch and smell. Chemical receptor organs on their undersides brush the ground as they walk, helping them track prey.
Two-spotted Assassin Bug
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COMMON NAME: Two-spotted Assassin Bug
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Platymeris biguttata
The Two-Spotted Assassin Bug is native to the tropical forests of Africa. As true bugs, they possess needle-like mouthparts, which they use to inject saliva into their prey. Their saliva contains properties which effectively pre-digest their prey into a soup-like consistency. The Assassin bug then extracts the contents, using their mouthpart like a straw.
Fun Fact: Unlike many other bugs, this species does not have a larval stage. They are born as tiny versions of adults.