New species of centipede discovered in Thailand

BANGKOK, May 25 (TNA) -- Thai scientists announce the discovery of a new species of centipede “Scolopendra cataracta” in Thailand and some parts of Southeast Asia. Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Science whose researchers and students were part of the team that discovered the creature made the official announcement on Wednesday. This centipede has 20 pairs of legs and measures up to 20cm. It is the first species of centipede ever observed to be able to plunge into water and run along the bottom in much the same manner as it does on dry land. Its name, cataracta, is Latin for waterfall and its Thai name is Takap Namtok, meaning waterfall centipede. One of its natural habitats in Thailand is Khao Sok of Surat Thani province. The black centipede possesses good swimming and diving abilities. (TNA)