Head to head
Bumblebee Millipede vs Giant African Millipede
The bumblebee millipede and the giant African millipede are both harmless decomposers popular in the terrarium hobby, but one is boldly banded and modest in size, while the other is the largest millipede species on Earth.
| Bumblebee Millipede | Giant African Millipede | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Anadenobolus monilicornis | Archispirostreptus gigas |
| Size | Small to moderate | The largest millipede in the world, up to about 38 cm |
| Colouring | Bold yellow and black banding | Plain dark brown or black |
| Defensive secretion | A mild chemical secretion | A stronger, foul-smelling, potentially eye-irritating fluid |
| Leg count | Fewer, proportional to its smaller size | Around 300 to 400 legs |
| Native range | The Caribbean | East Africa |
| Diet | Herbivore | Herbivore and detritivore |
| Conservation status | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
Bumblebee Millipede vs Giant African Millipede: common questions
Which millipede is bigger, the bumblebee millipede or the giant African millipede?
The giant African millipede is dramatically bigger, holding the title of the largest millipede species in the world at up to about 38 centimetres, far exceeding the smaller bumblebee millipede.
Do both the bumblebee millipede and giant African millipede have a chemical defence?
Yes, both can release a defensive secretion when threatened, though the giant African millipede's fluid is notably stronger and foul-smelling, and can irritate the eyes, while the bumblebee millipede's secretion is milder.
Where do the bumblebee millipede and giant African millipede come from?
The bumblebee millipede is native to the Caribbean, while the giant African millipede comes from East Africa, placing the two species on entirely different continents.