Velarostreptus semeriae
| Velarostreptus semeriae | |
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| Genus: | Velarostreptus
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| Species: | V. semeriae
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| Binomial name | |
| Velarostreptus semeriae (Uanax, 1883)
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Velarostreptus semeriae, the giant Semerian millipede, is one of the largest millipedes, growing up to 35cm in length and 61mm in circumference. It has, on average, 212 legs.
The species is endemic to the island of Semeria, in the Sea of Velar, and has spread on storm wrack to other nearby islands. It has been discovered as far afield as Jajich. It favours low-altitude rainforests, and as a result has seen its habitat diminished by as much as 30% in recent decades due to encroachment from cities such as Txir and others of the Isles of Velar. It has been classed as 'vulnerable', though this is expected to be revised upwards to 'near-threatened' in the next few years.
The species is occasionally kept as a pet, and has a lifespan of up to eight years. Like most millipedes, the Semerian millipede is detritivorous and favours rotting organic matter. It has been observed to burrow for decaying root systems, pushing forward with its head and numerous legs. Its main modes of defence are curling into a tight spiral, leaving only the hard exoskeleton exposed, and secreting a mildly irritating liquid from its pores. This liquid has been described as "pungent" and "foul-smelling" and is known to cause skin rash and other symptoms in some people.