Monkey medicine: Giant African millipede

Monkeys use these extraordinary millipedes as a natural remedy to repel pests living in their skin.

Monkeys roll and bite captured millipedes to release defensive toxins. These toxins usually deter predators by their smell and taste, but not monkeys, which rub the millipedes over their bodies to spread the natural insecticide.

This behaviour is often seen with lemurs and when monkey skin pests are prevalent in the spring. Capuchin monkeys from Venezuela are even seen sharing millipedes during social events.

Scientists have confirmed that millipede toxins do indeed repel insects. They are also a natural narcotic and monkeys which suck millipedes can experience a natural ‘high’ – all while protecting themselves against pests!

Nature’s composters

Just like the native UK millipedes, the giant African millipede eats decaying plant material. Together with other animals and micro-organisms, they turn organic waste into compost and recycle plant nutrients for reuse. This critical process keeps rainforest soils fertile and able to support life.

Forward march

Giant African millipedes gain two pairs of legs for every new segment added. The large number of legs gives millipedes excellent grip when climbing and burrowing.

The segments form a tough exoskeleton that protects the millipede from predators. If attacked, they curl up into a tight ball that shields their head and delicate legs.

Millipedes versus Centipedes

Millipedes can be distinguished from centipedes by differences in diet. Millipedes are slow moving herbivores that eat plant waste, while centipedes are fast moving carnivores with fangs to inject venom into insect prey.

Centipedes have only one pair of legs per segment (rather than two in millipedes). They also move with a snake-like serpentine pattern (rather than straight lines).