in 2024 a team of scientists conducted fieldwork around Pha Daeng Cave in Thailand. Their specific mission was to explore the wildlife in the area. They found two dragon centipedes mating on a rock. However, upon closer inspection, they realized that it was not one of the known dragon centipede species. It was a completely new species.
The researchers’ findings were published in the journal Tropical Natural History in 2025. titled “Integrative Taxonomy Reveals Two New Species of Dragon Millipede in the Genus DesmoxytesChamberlin, 1923 from Thailand (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae). In it, they describe this new species of dragon millipede as about an inch long, with long legs and spike structures on each of its 20 body segments. Its appearance may resemble certain depictions of dragons as slender, snake-like and with projecting spikes or spines along their backs.
This new species has been named the Princess Dragon Millipede. This name is given in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand for her support and contribution to the field of environmental research and protection. While it may not have the 1,300 fearsome legs that the Eumilipes Persephone centipede has, it does open new doors for further scientific study in this area and a better understanding of this genus.
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Discovery of the Thai Princess Dragon Millipede
Thai centipede on a rock – Yokeetod/Getty Images
Scientific studies of dragon centipedes have divided them into eight groups with 84 known species, and many new species have been discovered in the past few years. Researchers use both physical appearance and genetic data to distinguish between different species and analyze how they are related. Advances in genetic research have been key to new scientific discoveries, including a new model of species evolution based on lizard genetics.
Researchers photographed these creatures and used powerful microscopes and gold-coated specimens to capture detailed images of body structures. They then compared these characteristics to those of previously known species to see how the new species fit together. The team also extracted DNA from centipede legs and body segments to study their genetics and confirm how closely related the new species is to others in the same group.
The researchers analyzed three centipede genes to examine their DNA and genetic relationships. They found that the two new species of dragon centipede are genetically distinct from all previously known species, with 10 to 18% DNA variation. Using advanced genetic analysis tools, the researchers created a family tree that grouped each species into its own branch, confirming that they shared a common ancestor but evolved separately.
Future research on new centipede species
centipede dragon on a rock in Thailand – Pong Wira/Shutterstock
So far, the Princess Dragon Centipede has only been seen in that particular cave in Northern Thailand, as it seems to only live in the humid limestone environment that this region supports. In fact, these centipedes were on high rock faces, requiring researchers to climb to reach them. However, the journal publication notes that further research is needed to see if the species is more widespread in Thailand.
The researchers note that while their analysis successfully confirmed the placement of the new dragon centipede species within the genus, it was based on only three genes. These limited genetic data may not fully capture the deeper evolutionary relationships between species. To create a clearer and more complete picture, the researchers note that future studies could include additional genetic markers or even examine the centipede’s entire mitochondrial genetic profile or entire genome.
The discovery of any new species is always exciting. It reminds us that there is so much more to discover and learn about our own planet – just like the rare mayfly that was thought to be extinct and was recently discovered in Thailand. For now, the new centipede dragon princess will offer an interesting avenue of research for Thai scientists.
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