Genus Sphaerotherium
54 species of Pill-millipede from the genus Sphaerotherium are known from Southern Africa, and coastal Kwazulu-Natal Province is especially rich in the number of species found there.
South Africa’s largest species, the Giant Pill Millipede, can grow to 5cm in length and is the size of a ping-pong ball when it is curled up. This habit of rolling into an impenetrably tight ball when threatened is probably the most endearing characteristic of these fascinating creatures. Another unusual trait of Pill-millipedes is that the males intent on breeding can produce a sound by stridulation – rubbing modified back legs against ridges on the final segment produces a vibrating sound, unique to each species, that the female picks up and then allows the male to mate with her.
Pill-millipedes live in the moist leaf-litter on forest floors, feeding on decaying leaves, fruit and wood, and thus perform a vital ecological function by recycling nutrients. They’re mostly active at night.
DeWetsWild 
How nice to showcase these remarkable critters!
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You probably have them in your garden, Carol?
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I have only seen a smaller species here.
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They are so beautiful. Thank you.
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I agree with you wholeheartedly, Lakshmi!
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Interesting info and photos, Dries. We called them Roly-poly bugs as kids – would be amazing to see one the size of a ping pong ball!
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I love the Roly-poly name, Jane!
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Those small invertebrates have a lot going for them, Dries.
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It’s a fascinating world we humans don’t pay enough attention to, Tracy
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Genugtig, 54 spesies. As ek geskep het, sou een spesie genoeg gewees het! Die detail waarmee ons Skepper werk is amazing.
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Ek kan net instemmend met jou opmerking knik, Elsabe. En daardie 54 spesies is net in ons deel van die wereld, hoeveel ander kruip nie nog in die res rond nie!?
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Goeie genade… ja.
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Hulle lyk amper soos ‘n see skulpie wanneer hulle so opgerol is.
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Dit is n goeie vergelyking, Corna!
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I love coming across these now and then. Your photographs show them up well for those unfamiliar with them.
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Do they frequent your garden, Anne?
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No, but I have seen them elsewhere 🙂
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I would’ve bet good money that they’re found in your wondrous garden!
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I should poke around in the thick mulch covering the floor of my ‘secret’ garden 🙂 🙂
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Let me know what you find!
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Nooit geweet dis ‘n duisendpoot nie. Hul is te dierbaar as hul so opkrul.
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Dit maak my ook altyd gelukkig om hulle te sien, Ineke
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