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.
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.
Asian Forest Scorpion
COMMON NAME: Asian Forest Scorpion
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Heterometrus spinifer
TYPE: Invertebrate
DIET: Carnivore
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