Inputs by Aarya Krishnan
Millipedes are supposed to have 1000 legs. The Latin name for the arthropods tells us that they do. The word millipede means milli – a thousand, and ped – feet.
Yet, the most-legged millipede known till date has only 750 legs.
The first ever millipede that actually lived up to its name was found beneath the semi-arid (dry)
scrubland of Western Australia. A female of this was found to have 1,306 legs.
It was found that the species has a cone-shaped head, a beak-like structure for feeding, and large antennae on its head. Each segment on its body has four feet instead of the usual set of two feet.
Scientists have named it Eumillipes Persephone.
Eumillipes means “true millipede,” and Persephone was the goddess in Greek mythology dragged to the underworld by Hades. Called E. Persephone for short, researchers think that it’s stretched out body and multiple legs help the being dig through soil.
Eight specimens of this newly discovered species were collected and reported in the study. Males were found to have fewer rings and feet. All specimens show pale colouring and no stripes – neither vertical nor horizontal, on the body. This species lives entirely underground, and was discovered about 60 – 80 meters below the surface. Genetic examination has showed that Eumillipes is not a close relative of the California millipede, despite the similarity in their appearance.