Sphaeromimus andrahomana

**Andrahomana Cave Giant Pill-Millipede (Sphaeromimus andrahomana)** The Andrahomana Cave Giant Pill-Millipede is a large terrestrial arthropod endemic to Madagascar's cave systems. This species belongs to the family Sphaerotheriidae, characterized by their ability to roll into a perfect sphere when threatened—a defensive behavior known as conglobation. As detritivores, these millipedes play a crucial role in cave ecosystems by decomposing organic matter and cycling nutrients through the subterranean environment. This species is found exclusively in the Andrahomana region of southeastern Madagascar, inhabiting limestone cave systems. The millipedes are adapted to the stable, humid conditions of these underground environments, where they feed on decaying plant material, bat guano, and other organic debris that enters the caves. The species faces significant threats from habitat destruction and human disturbance. Madagascar's limestone caves are increasingly impacted by quarrying activities, tourism pressure, and agricultural expansion in surrounding areas. The species' extremely limited geographic range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats. Cave pollution from agricultural runoff and changes to surface vegetation that affect organic input into cave systems pose additional risks. Conservation efforts for this species remain limited, reflecting broader challenges in Madagascar's cave fauna protection. The species' remote habitat and specialized ecological requirements make population monitoring difficult, contributing to the unknown population trend status. Given the ongoing pressures on Madagascar's cave ecosystems and the species' restricted range, the outlook remains concerning without targeted conservation intervention and habitat protection measures.