Millipedes are found throughout the world – their name is derived from the Latin words for ‘thousand feet’. Watching their myriad legs as they move is hypnotic. Southern Africa has some huge millipedes, growing up to around six inches long.

Two large species are common in Kruger Park, the black and white-banded Zebra Millipede and the much more common Black Millipede, or Shongololo. Most Millipedes eat dead organic matter such as leaf litter, dead wood or soil and play an important role in the decomposition of plant matter. They prefer moist conditions and are often seen during the day active after rain.

Unlike centipedes, millipedes are harmless and do not bite, although some species produce smelly, irritating defensive secretions and curl up when alarmed. This huge Zebra Millipede was crawling on the valve of a fire hydrant at Olifants Camp in Kruger Park