Discovering Bugs: Meet the Coolest Creepy Crawlies on the Planet
FEATHER TAIL CENTIPEDE ALIPES GRANDIDIERI WHERE Eastern Africa SIZE 15 10 centimeters 6 4 inches LOOK FOR Two long legs on the end of the body that look like feathers or flags at the tips BUG BITE The feather like legs on the back of this bug aren't just for show When the feather tail centipede is threatened it shakes it's back legs to make a hissing noise like a rattlesnake This centipede can also use it's back legs to bite or pinch as defense against predators When a female feather tail centipede lays eggs she will protect the newly hatched centipedes by wagging her back legs to distract an approaching predator Sometimes the back section of her body will break off when she does this 6
CREEPY CRAWLIES Not Not all bugs need to fly Some rely on dozens or even hundreds of legs to move around Some burrow deep into the ground and some will live high up in the trees From the caves of South America to the oceans of Australia there are hundreds of different types of bugs that crawl scuttle wriggle and squirm From centipedes to spiders these are the creepiest crawlers around 7
GIANT CENTIPEDE SCOLOPENDRA GIGANTEA WHERE South America and the Caribbean SIZE 30 26 centimeters 12 10 inches LOOK FOR Long slender body with lots of legs BUG BITE Much like its more common relative the giant centipede has dozens of legs running along its body The giant centipede is the largest of all centipedes and can reach up to 12 inches in length Centipedes are venomous and while their venom is not often dangerous to humans it makes them a vicious predator The giant centipede is a carnivore and its size allows it to prey on insects as well as other animals such as lizards frogs small birds mice and even bats The centipede then uses its venom to capture its prey 8
9 The giant centipede will crawl to the ceiling of caves hang from its back sets of legs and wait for a passing bat to get close enough to catch
