This slow-moving invertebrate scavenges the ground for food, breaking it down with its efficient chewing mouthparts. Like all millipedes, this animal is a decomposer, feeding on decaying plant material. Though it cannot sting, it can emit a bitter-tasting fluid from its body -- a defensive behavior.

The giant African millipede has four legs per body segment, which is one way to tell that it's not an insect.