Millipedes: Ancient Arthropods with Extraordinary Tales

Introduction:

Millipedes are some of the most intriguing creatures that have walked the Earth since ancient times. Despite their ancient origins, these fascinating arthropods continue to surprise and captivate us with their unique characteristics and behaviours. In this blog, we will take a journey through the diverse world of millipedes, exploring their evolutionary history and highlighting some of the most incredible species that have existed over millions of years.

Quick Facts About Millipedes:

Before delving into the depths of their ancient past, let's start with some quick facts about millipedes. Belonging to the class Diplopoda, these creatures comprise a vast group of over 12,000 known species, making them a significant and diverse part of the animal kingdom. Despite their name, millipedes do not actually have a thousand feet; instead, they typically have between 24 to 750 legs. One key feature that distinguishes them from their close relatives, centipedes, is that millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment, whereas centipedes have only one pair.

Millipedes in Earth's Ancient Past:

To truly appreciate the significance of millipedes, we must travel back in time to the Silurian period, approximately 443 million years ago. During this era, Earth's landscape was vastly different from what we know today. Life was mostly confined to the oceans, where enigmatic creatures such as giant sea scorpions and tentacle-like beings roamed the waters. The idea of life venturing onto land was an audacious undertaking. However, some brave lineages began the journey, and among them were the millipedes.

Pneumodesmus Newmani - The Record Holder:

One of the earliest known millipedes is Pneumodesmus newmani, a millipede-like myriapod that holds the title for being one of the first animals to inhabit land. While the fossil evidence is scarce, scientists speculate that other millipedes might have existed before them, as suggested by trace fossils found in ancient giant fungi. Pneumodesmus newmani possessed spiracles in its exoskeleton, a unique respiratory adaptation that allowed it to thrive in the evolving terrestrial environment.

The Carboniferous Period - Oxygen-Rich Atmosphere:

The Carboniferous period, known for its high oxygen concentrations (about 35%), was a critical time for invertebrates like millipedes and insects. The emergence of massive trees in this era resulted in an oxygen-rich atmosphere that provided the necessary fuel for land-dwelling creatures. During this time, giants like Arthropleura, the largest known invertebrate to ever walk on land, roamed the Earth. Additionally, the Carboniferous period was home to other impressive creatures such as the giant dragonfly Meganeura, with its three-foot-long wingspan.

Aposematic Coloration in Millipedes - Enter the Pink Dragon:

In the modern era, not all millipedes were giants. Fascinating species like the Pink Dragon millipede, discovered in Thailand in 2007, continue to surprise researchers and nature enthusiasts alike. This tiny three-centimetre-long creature exhibits aposematic coloration, using vibrant colours as a warning signal to predators about its noxious defence mechanism. Millipedes in the order Polydesmida are known for producing chemicals like hydrogen cyanide or formic acid from pores in their body, creating a formidable defence against potential threats.

Eumillipes Persephone - A Thousand and More Legs:

In December 2021, scientists made an astounding discovery of a millipede species with a remarkable 1306 legs on 330 segments. Named Eumillipes persephone, this extraordinary find holds true to its name, being one of the few millipedes with over a thousand legs. This incredible discovery adds to the intrigue surrounding these ancient arthropods and highlights the remarkable diversity they possess.

The Diversity of Millipedes - A Lasting Legacy:

Throughout their existence, millipedes have been a remarkable group of creatures, evolving and adapting over millions of years. From ancient giants like Arthropleura to modern-day species with unique defence mechanisms, they continue to captivate us with their extraordinary tales. The study of millipedes has provided valuable insights into the history of life on Earth and the intricate web of interactions that shaped our planet's biodiversity.

Embrace the Wonder of Millipedes:

As we explore the wonders of the natural world, encountering a millipede in our garden or during a hike can be an exciting moment. Taking a moment to appreciate the rich history and diversity carried by these creatures can offer a deeper connection to the ancient past. As we continue to unveil the mysteries of our planet, the tales of millipedes will remain an enduring and enthralling aspect of Earth's history, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

In conclusion, millipedes are extraordinary creatures with a long and storied history. Their ability to adapt and survive over millions of years is a testament to the resilience of life on Earth. With their unique features, from ancient giants to modern-day defenders, millipedes continue to amaze and inspire us, offering a window into the mysteries of our planet's past and the wonders of the natural world.