scientists-find-first-true-millipede-over-1300-legs

Scientists Find ‘First True Millipede’ With Over 1,300 Legs

If you thought the title was disturbing, just wait until you read the rest of the millipede story. That’s right. Scientists recently discovered the first-ever millipede with over 1,300 legs in Western Australia. I’m sure you’re probably wondering, “How does something like that even exist?”

Yahoo reportedly states the new record from Scientific Reports. “The new record-setting species has about 1,306 legs, which is 556 more than the previous record set by Illacme plenipes in Central California.”

Unlike any other insect, no one has ever seen something like this before. That is, until now. It honestly feels like we’re finding so many new fascinating things on this planet.

Additionally, scientists named the millipede after what they call “the queen of the underworld, Eumillipes persephone.”

Where the Scientists Found the Millipede

The study Yahoo refers to also states that its discovery was 197 feet below the ground. “It was found in a drill hole created for mineral exploration,” the study said.

They say that the millipede’s body looks different than the others. In fact, the insect doesn’t have any eyes, which makes me wonder how they move around.

In a recent YouTube video, CTV News reports on what the new species is.

“Meet the recently discovered world’s ‘leggiest’ millipede,” CTV News wrote in the description along with, “Scientists may have discovered the ‘leggiest millipede on planet Earth,’ a species with more than 1,300 legs.”

According to the study Yahoo found, “Millipedes were one of the first animals to breathe oxygen and have lived on Earth for over 400 years. This new species has more legs to make moving around in soil habitats easier.” The study also predicts there could be over 4,000 of those little things. However, only 2,000 exist in our eyes today.

Scientists Discover Almost 9 New Insects in the Last Year

Besides the unusual discovery, scientists have also discovered nine more insects.

According to wired.com, the History Museum of Los Angeles collected thousands of newly discovered insects.

The museum staff uses different instruments that scientists have used since the 17th century. In the article, Gonzalez said, “It definitely makes me appreciate what scientists of the past were able to accomplish with rudimentary tools. I don’t have an ergonomic chair at home nor do I have a fancy microscope. We are all feeling appreication for things that we take for granted.”

The article also said the bugs consist of flies, wasps, and even wasplike flies. “The bioSCAN project, which started in 2012 with insect traps set at 30 sites throughout the state of Los Angeles. They are placed mostly in backyards or any public space.”

Overall, with the new discoveries being made, they are in for an exciting scientific journey.