Many creatures exhibit fascinating physical characteristics, and the number of legs an animal possesses often sparks curiosity. From the six-legged insect to the eight-legged arachnid, the diversity of locomotion is remarkable. This leads to questions about which creature truly holds the record for the most legs. Exploring this reveals an astonishing biological feat and insights into the unique adaptations allowing these multi-limbed organisms to thrive.
The Creature With the Most Legs
The title for the animal with the most legs belongs to a species of millipede. For a long time, Illacme plenipes was recognized as having more legs than any other known animal. A female of this species, found in California, had 750 legs across 192 body segments. Illacme plenipes is a small, thread-like millipede, typically growing just over 3 centimeters. It is eyeless, relying on long antennae to navigate, and can produce silk from specialized hairs.
However, a more recent discovery unveiled an even leggier champion. In 2021, scientists identified Eumillipes persephone from Western Australia, holding the current record with 1,306 legs. This pale, eyeless species was found deep underground, 60 meters below the surface, in boreholes. Its elongated, thin body, about 95.7 millimeters long, is well-suited for maneuvering through narrow subterranean crevices.
Clarifying Multi-Legged Creatures
The term “bug” is often used broadly, but scientifically refers to a specific group of insects. To understand multi-legged animals, it is helpful to examine arthropod classification. Arthropods include animals with exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and jointed legs.
Insects consistently have six legs and a body divided into a head, thorax, and abdomen. Arachnids, such as spiders and scorpions, have eight legs and typically two body segments.
Myriapods, meaning “many feet,” constitute another major group of arthropods, including centipedes and millipedes. These creatures have many body segments, with most bearing legs.
Centipedes (Chilopoda) have a flatter body and one pair of legs per segment, allowing quick movement. Millipedes (Diplopoda) typically have a more cylindrical body. Each visible body segment results from the fusion of two, leading to two pairs of legs per apparent segment. This fundamental difference explains why millipedes accumulate significantly more legs than centipedes, making them the record holders.
The Biology of Many Legs
The multitude of legs in millipedes serves important biological functions. Their numerous short legs, positioned beneath their cylindrical bodies, generate significant pushing power. This enables effective burrowing through soil, leaf litter, and decaying organic matter, where they find food. The number of legs also contributes to stability, providing a broad base of support on complex, uneven terrains.
Millipedes move using a slow, wave-like metachronal rhythm. In this coordinated movement, legs lift and set down in sequence, creating a ripple effect along the body. This rhythmic action allows continuous forward pushing, facilitating their burrowing lifestyle.
While not fast movers, their many legs provide traction and force for tight spaces. This also offers defense, allowing them to push against surfaces or coil their bodies to protect softer undersides.