The country's first Vande Bharat train sleeper coach maintenance facility will be ready by mid-2026 at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, according to a senior North Western Railway official. North Western Railway's Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer Major Amit Swamy said the state-of-the-art facility at
Princess dragon millipede: New insect species found in Thailand's Pha Daeng Cave
Scientists in northern Thailand found a new type of millipede that looks like a “tiny dragon.” The creatures have long legs and spiky bodies. They were seen mating on the walls of a cave. According to the Miami Herald, this is the first time scientists have seen this species. The Pha Daeng Cave is located in Mae Hong Son Province near the Myanmar border.
In 2024, a group of researchers visited this cave and studied animals that had never been explored before. They were mostly interested in karst rock areas filled with rocky walls and cracks. While exploring, they found unique millipedes hidden in small places on the rocks.
After careful study, the scientists realized they had found a new species. They named it Desmoxytes chaofa, also called the princess dragon millipede. The word “chaofa” means royal princess in Thai. The name honors Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who works hard to protect nature and wildlife.
The Princess dragon millipede is small in size, which is around 1 inch long and has 20 body segments. Each segment has small bumps and wings like spikes, which makes it look like a “little dragon.” Its long legs and thin antennae help them walk on the rocks. These Millipedes are dark brown in color which camouflage them on the moss-covered wet rocks.
Scientists observed these millipedes moving on the rocks and mating. The cave is damp and cool, which has small moss as well as plants in the moss which helps millipedes stay safe and healthy inside.
Also Read: Think your brain slows down after 50? Study says it actually peaks in midlife
The researchers also studied the DNA of the new millipede. They found it is at least 10% different from other similar millipedes. The team also discovered a second new species with pink legs.
The study was published on October 14, 2025, in the journal Tropical Natural History. Every year, thousands of new species are discovered, showing that nature still has many secrets. These tiny dragon-like millipedes are a special and exciting discovery that teaches people why it is important to explore and protect wildlife.
Also Read: Paris Agreement can help avoid 57 very hot days every year: Study
Scientists found a tiny dragon-like millipede called Desmoxytes chaofa, or princess dragon millipede.
They live on rock walls and crevices in Pha Daeng Cave and nearby areas in northern Thailand.
It is named after Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand to honor her work in nature and wildlife protection.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Scientists may have found a panacea for snake bites This Rare, Pink-Coloured Creature Found In Atlantic Ocean Reminds Scientists Of A Disney Character Scientists are discovering a powerful new way to prevent cancer ZSI scientists discover new Gecko species in Andhra Pradesh Scientists are discovering a powerful new way to prevent cancer Physics Nobel Prize awarded to three scientists for their work on quantum computing Three scientists were charged in worm smuggling scheme Bengaluru scientists win 2025 Tata Transformation Prize NASA’s 2005 Titan Image Still Baffles Scientists Scientists discover molecule that acts like exercise and slows signs of ageing
The country's first Vande Bharat train sleeper coach maintenance facility will be ready by mid-2026 at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, according to a senior North Western Railway official. North Western Railway's Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer Major Amit Swamy said the state-of-the-art facility at
3 months ago
