Sandra P. Hoffman wrote:
Sandra
I can't resist capping your millipede record. Wher I once lived in
Upland Kenya, most millepedes were quite sizable (well, probably 3"
long) or thereabouts and they were shiny black with red legs. We
children used to tease them to make them curl up (rather like hedgehogs
I guess) and we called them by their Swahili name of Songololo.
However, when we went to the coast it was a very different kettle of
fish. There was one particular path of white coral sand, leading through
low bush to the beach, where we often saw piles of curious white rings.
They looked as though made of plastic and would have easily made a thumb
ring for a man.
Well one day we found out trhe origin of these mysterious rings when the
MONSTER crossed our path, a Songololo of heroic proportions around a
foot long, shiny black as usual and with all its tiny feet twinkling
along beneath it.
It appears these creatures frequently came to a sticky end leaving their
numerous body rings to bleach on the path (though what was bold enough
to tackle them we never did discover).
I should hate to find one in my garden, I can't see them being satisfied
with a few small seedlings!.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan
Both Retired. Careers were: Moira - botanist/horticulturist;
Tony - Various jobs, then computer programmer.
Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
