Insect haters are set to shudder at the thought of science's latest discovery in Western Australia – a millipede with 1306 legs.
The world's first "true" millipede has set the world record for the most legs ever documented, beating the previous record holder by over 500 limbs.
Although the name millipede translates to a thousand feet, none have ever been discovered with more than 750 legs.
READ MORE: Months of rain mean we need to watch for this dangerous parasite
"We've been naming millipedes for centuries, but this discovery is particularly exciting because it's a millipede in the truest sense of the word," CSIRO Research Scientist, Dr Juanita Rodriguez, said.
The critter was discovered by CSIRO scientists near Norseman in Western Australia.
While the millipede takes the term creepy crawly to a whole new level, bushwalkers don't have to worry too much about stumbling across the species because it lives underground.
READ MORE: Arrest over alleged $530k fraud of COVID-19 micro-business grant
Scientists discovered the bug by surveying geological drill holes, as part of a study into the medicinal chemicals millipedes produce.
"This is important because many of these pathogens are resistant to current drugs, and we need new molecules to treat infections like golden staph and pneumonia," Dr Rodriguez said.
READ MORE: Secret details of three Sydney underworld hits
While top scientists from CSIRO's National Insect Collection work hard to fight virulent diseases, many of us still have questions about how on earth they counted all those legs.
