Archispirostreptus gigas

Archispirostreptus gigas
	;
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia;
Phylum:	Arthropoda;
Subphylum:	Myriapoda;
Class:	Diplopoda;
Order:	Julida;
Family:	Spirostreptidae;
Genus:	Archispirostreptus;
Species:	A. gigas;
Binomial name
	Archispirostreptus gigas; (Peters, 1855)

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Archispirostreptus gigas, Chongololo or the giant African millipede, is one of the largest of the millipedes, growing up to 11.2 in (28 cm) in length. It lives in tropical and subtropical Africa, in rotting plant life or moist earth, and usually avoids light. It is black in colour, and is often kept as a pet.

An Archispirostreptus gigas found on bed netting in Mombasa, Kenya.

In general, giant millipedes have an expected lifespan of about 7-10 years. They can be handled, and are quite docile and slow moving. Giant millipedes have two main modes of defense if they feel threatened: curling into a tight spiral exposing only the hard exoskeleton, and secretion of an irritating liquid from pores on their body. This liquid can be harmful if introduced into the eyes or mouth.