Spirostreptidae
This record describes Spirostreptidae (family). Recorded order: Spirostreptida.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Diplopoda
- Order
- Spirostreptida
- Family
- Spirostreptidae
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
About Spirostreptida: the wider group
Order-level background for Spirostreptida, the group containing Spirostreptidae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Spirostreptida includes ~1,000 described species, including the giant African millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas) which can reach 38cm (15 inches), the largest living millipede species.
Ecological role of the group
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.
Economic and practical significance of the group
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.
Recorded sources for this group: Pet trade, tropical ecology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.