New alien-looking millipede species with 200 legs discovered in African jungle

Preserved heads of two new millipede species. (Image credit: www.usc.edu.au)

Scientists have recently unveiled a new genus and five previously unknown millipede species hidden within the dense jungles of Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains. The revelation came to light during a study conducted by researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, who were initially investigating tree and vine growth in the remote region.

Professor Andy Marshall, leading the research team, shared the astonishing findings that unfolded amid the forest litter and loose soil of the Udzungwa Mountains. Comparing the millipedes' distinct heads to characters from Star Wars, Marshall emphasized the significance of the discovery.

"We record millipedes of all sizes during our fieldwork to measure forest recovery because they are great indicators of forest health, but we didn’t realize the significance of these species until the myriapodologists had assessed our specimens," Marshall told Fox Weather.

The newfound millipedes each measure a few centimeters in length and boasting around 200 legs.

The largest African millipedes can reach an impressive 35 centimeters, nearly 14 inches, in length.

Highlighting the broader implications of this discovery, Marshall underscored that finding the new genus, named Udzungwastreptus, along with the five distinct species, reflects the vast uncharted territories within tropical forests.

The five new species have been identified as Lophostreptus magombera, Attemsostreptus cataractae, Attemsostreptus leptoptilos, Attemsostreptus julostriatus, and Udzungwastreptus marianae.

The specimens have been transported to the Natural History Museum at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark for further study.