CHINA - A new species of millipede, sporting 26 legs and tufts of fluff, has been discovered in southern China.
Named Lophoturus sineprocessus, the millipede was found at Menglai Rainforest Health Theme Park in Yunnan province. Measuring just 0.7 inches long, the creature has 13 body segments, each adorned with hair-like tufts. It is generally white and tan in color, lighter than most millipede species, according to a study published in the journal ZooKeys on Jan. 6.
Belonging to the Polyxenida order, the species is known for foraging under bark, wet leaves, and decaying wood. Researchers noted it also inhabits caves, feeding on algae, fungus, and damp rocks.
Unlike its leg-heavy nickname, “1,000-legged worm,” millipedes rarely reach such high numbers. This species is related more closely to lobsters and shrimp than worms.
Millipedes, including this species, can grow additional body segments and legs as they mature. Juveniles begin with three pairs of legs and seven segments, adding more with each molt over two to five years.
The study stated that millipedes can emit acidic liquid as a defense mechanism.
Researchers, including Yadong Wang and Yan Dong, said this discovery brings the number of millipedes from the Polyxenida order in China to 12.
The millipede is covered with tufts of hair-like structures.
Y. D. Yang Wang Y, Jin A, Gao S, Wang J, Dong Y (2025)
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