Order Spirostreptida
The Spirostreptida (Order Spirostreptida) includes 6 species across 3 families and 3 genera in our directory.
About Spirostreptida
Spirostreptida includes ~1,000 described species, including the giant African millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas) which can reach 38cm (15 inches), the largest living millipede species.
Economic Impact
Giant millipedes are popular exotic pets. The giant African millipede is one of the most commonly kept invertebrate pets worldwide. Some tropical species are collected for traditional medicine.
Ecological Role
Giant millipedes are major decomposers in tropical forests - they consume and break down large volumes of decaying plant material, contributing significantly to soil nutrient cycling and humus formation.
