A UNIQUE species of millipede, found only in and around the Cataract Gorge, has finally been given a name after 10 years.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tasmaniosoma anubis does not exist anywhere else in the world and researchers have struggled to understand why.
The species was first discovered by Launceston naturalists Lisa and Wade Clarkson last decade.
It is known for its bright colours and tiny size, only growing to about one centimetre in length.
Queen Victoria Art Gallery and Museum researcher Dr Bob Mesibov yesterday said he has been trying to uncover more about the mysterious creature in recent years.
"I have done three years of collecting to find out more about it, but it has only ever been found in about a 12 square kilometre radius of Cataract Gorge," he said.
The millipede is one of four incredibly unusual animals, including a snail and two arachnids, that only exist in Launceston.
Dr Mesibov has urged residents to be mindful of the species when interacting with bark and other fallen tree matter within the reserve.
