Archispirostreptus gigas

Say, WHAT?  How do you pronounce that title anyway?  I have no idea.  However, it's appropriate because it's the scientific name of one of the world's largest millipedes.  This bug is so big it qualifies as an animal in my opinion.  So, why the science lesson?  Well, it's because we have a picture to share!

This guy is maybe eight or nine inches long.  Matt's foot is in the picture to give some perspective.  Don't worry all you bug lovers, we didn't squish him.  We let him creep off  down the road unharmed.  According to the internet these bugs can live 5-7 years.  You see, that is the flaw with this whole tropics thing.  Bugs don't die of cold.  (Or snakes, that's the other downside.) The upside is that people aren't cold either.  I'm just not sure that the trade off is worth it. I mean these bugs secrete skin irritants too!  The small ones will make you itch when they crawl on you, imagine what these colossal arthropods would do to my fragile North American skin.  Actually, no, don't imagine it.  UGH.  Anyway, we know our lil pals around the corner at home will like this maxi-bug, so here is another view:

And no, you can't eat this kind of bug, the "irritating liquid" can be "harmful" if introduced to your mucous membranes.  Translation, this African Ginormonstrosity is poison.  I much prefer caterpillars who transform into the most interesting flying bugs ever.  Like this one:

Maybe 4-5 inches wingspan here.

Isn't it cool??  I mean it's probably a girl too with all that pink.  This reminds me of that girly camouflage pattern that is popular back home.  Except lets face it, this is better.  (Travis, I'm thinking this would make an AWESOME pattern for your dipping business.  How cool would it be on a motorcycle???)

Hope you enjoyed the WILDlife photos. :)