Scientists have found a new species of millipede that possesses more than 400 legs and 200 poison glands as well as four penises.

This thread like millipede known as the Illacme tobini was discovered by biologist Ben Tobin of the United States National Park Service inside the marble caves of the Sequoia National Park in California.

Like Us on Facebook

According to the lead author of the study, Paul Marek from Virginia Tech, this is the second species of the leggiest animal on the planet. It was found just dwelling 150 miles from the marble caves.

 Apart from multiple legs, this new species also possesses a bizarre mouth including four legs that also double as penises.

In addition, its body is covered in hairs that can secrete silk. Every 100 segments also hide a biochemical weapon that is sprayed on supposed predators and preys.

Researchers believe that investigatng these types of hidden animals can prevent "anonymous extinction." This occurs when a species suddenly goes extinct before scientists recognize and classify its role in the planet's ecosystem or its future benefits for humanity.

The millipede. which has the most number of legs, is known as the lllacme plenipes. It was first discovered in Silicon Valley in 2012. The plenipes is considered a close relative of this newly found species.

Scientists have theorized that these creatures evolved many legs to adapt to this kind of environment where they spend a lot of time burrowing and digging into the soil or to attach themselves onto sandstone boulders found in their habitat.

This new study was published in the journal, ZooKeys.