setifer

Setifer is a genus of large African millipedes belonging to the order Spirostreptida. These millipedes are characterized by their robust bodies and the presence of distinct longitudinal ridges along their segments. They are among the largest millipedes found on the continent, with some species reaching lengths of over 15 centimeters. The coloration of Setifer millipedes can vary, but often includes shades of brown, black, and sometimes reddish or yellowish hues.

These millipedes are primarily detritivores, playing a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter in their natural habitats, which include forests, woodlands, and savannas across various parts of Africa. They are generally nocturnal and are known for their defensive mechanism of coiling into a tight spiral when threatened, a behavior common among many millipede species. Reproduction in Setifer, as in other millipedes, involves the deposition of eggs, and the young hatch as smaller, immature versions of the adults.

The genus Setifer was first described by German zoologist Carl Ludwig Koch in 1847. While specific ecological studies on individual Setifer species may be limited, their presence indicates healthy forest floor ecosystems. Their large size and distinctive appearance make them notable inhabitants of African terrestrial environments.