This gigantic myriapod is an Arthropleura species. Known from the Upper Carboniferous, these huge invertebrates reached 2 meters (6 and a half feet) in length and 48 cm (19 inches) in width. Today's millipedes and centipedes are much smaller, although some tropical species are of moderate size. Werner Kraus constructed this model for the Naturkundemuseum in Augsburg, Germany.

I assume that insects lost their competitive advantage as giants, but I'm not sure why? Introduction of new predators? Food shortages?