A millipede found at an old Welsh coal mine - dubbed the "Maerdy Monster" - is a new species, according to experts.
The bug, found by a naturalist group at the former Maerdy colliery, in Rhondda Cynon Taff, is distinct from the other known groups of millipede species.
Steve Gregory, of the British Myriapod and Isopod Group (BMIG), said the 12mm (0.5in) species is new to science as it is "unknown and undescribed".
BMIG believe it is the first millipede species found in the UK since 1993.
Mr Gregory said it belonged to the Turdulisoma and Haplobainosomatidae family.
The creatures are usually found across the Iberian Peninsula and it is not known how the millipede came to be in south Wales.
Experts said it could have been accidentally introduced via imported industrial -READ MORE
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