Despite their large body size and high abundance, the Spirostreptidae are amongst the poorly studied
invertebrate groups in southern Africa. Field observations of behaviour, such as movement and
burrowing are uncommon. As such, field observations of walking speed, movement patterns and burrow
shape of Spirostreptus heros Porat, 1872 were made. Surface type and vegetation cover influenced the
speed and pattern of walking in S. heros. Walking speed ranged from 0.66 to 2.38 m/min on loose and
compact sand without vegetation, and on surfaces with vegetation. Walking speed was significantly
different among the three surface types (p < 0.005), but not between sexes. Inferences are made on the
adaptive significance of walking fast in a harsh environment. Additionally, the golf club-shape or J-shape
and depth (mean 22.71 cm) of burrows of S. heros are herein described for the first time.
