MEET THE SHONGOLOLO!
Have you ever noticed shongololos suddenly appearing and making their slow little journeys across paths, gardens and roads?
Well… rain may be on its way!
Shongololos (millipedes) are creatures of moisture.
They thrive in damp, humid conditions, and when the environment becomes wetter, they can become much more active, making them a fascinating little clue that conditions are changing.
But these many-legged little wanderers aren't just interesting to watch…
They are nature's tiny recycling crew!
Shongololos feed on dead and decaying leaves and plant material, helping break it down and return valuable nutrients to the soil. In other words, they quietly help keep our ecosystems healthy.
And despite their name “millipede” (“thousand feet”), they don't actually have 1,000 legs! Most species have considerably fewer, although one extraordinary species has been recorded with more than 1,300.
So next time you see the shongololos out and about, look up at the sky!
They might just be responding to the moisture in the air and soil, and perhaps giving you a tiny hint that wetter weather is coming.
WILDnFREE ECO-TIP:
Next time you find one crossing your path, don't squash it - let it pass!
Every tiny creature has a role to play in the natural world.
Respect. Protect. Appreciate.
