5/2/2020 Centipede And Millipede Difference
Obviously, a millipede has more legs compared to a centipede, thus the name. It might be because of that, millipedes move slower than centipedes. Most, if not all, millipedes feed on decaying leaves of plants and other decomposing matter while some refer to centipedes as carnivorous taxon.
![]()
Centipedes and millipedes belong to the subphylum of arthropods called myriapoda. In Greek, myriapoda means 'countless feet.' Myriapods share the basic body structure of a head and segmented body, or trunk, with many legs.Scientists estimate that there are around 8,000 species of centipedes and 80,000 species of millipedes. 'We have a wealth of diversity' within these groups, said Derek Hennen, an entomologist and doctoral student at Virginia Tech.
The diversity of centipedes and millipedes may not be obvious to nonexperts, Hennen said, because many species of these arthropods are found in only a limited range. Noticeable differencesBehavior is one of the easiest ways to tell if a many-legged critter is a centipede or a millipede.
'If it runs away immediately, it will be a centipede. If it curls up and stays motionless, it will be a millipede,' Hennen said.These behaviors hint at the general lifestyles of centipedes and millipedes. Most centipedes are swift predators that typically eat smaller arthropods. Millipedes, on the other hand, eat decaying plant matter.
Rather than scrambling away from predators, millipedes secrete irritating or poisonous chemicals to deter creatures that want to eat them.Leg position can also help with identification., while millipedes' legs point down to the ground.Many other distinguishing features separate these two groups of invertebrates, but those traits are difficult to see without getting a closer look, Hennen said.Millipedes belong to the class diplopoda, which in Latin means 'double foot.' The name refers to the two pairs of legs millipedes have on each of their body segments. In contrast, centipedes have only one pair of legs per segment.Centipedes belong to the class chilopoda, which means 'lip foot.'
![]()
The name refers to the modified legs on the first body section, which look like mouthparts and are tipped with venomous claws called forcipules.Centipedes have modified legs on the first body section that are tipped with venomous claws called forcipules. (Image credit: Shutterstock) HabitatBoth centipedes and millipedes are found on every continent except Antarctica. They live exclusively on land, although at least one species of giant centipede.Centipedes are found in all sorts of terrestrial habitats, even, but they are especially noticeable in extremely dry environments; deserts are home to some of the largest centipedes.Millipedes, however, prefer moist soil and leaf litter in deciduous forests, although a few species are found in grasslands or deserts.
Unlike their centipede cousins, millipedes lack a waxy layer on their exoskeleton that would help retain water. SizeCentipedes and millipedes come in a large range of sizes relative to each other. The smallest centipedes grow to no longer than 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) long, while the longest may reach over 12 inches (30 cm) long. The largest centipedes have been known to eat small mammals, frogs and even birds.Fully grown millipedes range from about 0.12 inches (0.32 cm) to around 10.5 inches (27 cm) long. Some millipedes hatch from their eggs with all of the legs they will ever have.
Others add segments to the ends of their bodies over their lifetimes, stopping after they reach a certain number. Still others may continue adding segments, and legs, throughout their lifetimes. One species of millipede in California, Illacme plenipes, is only 0.4-1.2 inches (1-3 cm) long but grows — that's more legs than any other creature in the world.Centipedes have legs that point out, away from the body. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Are they dangerous?Although centipede 'bites' aren't known to be lethal, people should generally avoid handling centipedes, Hennen said. Larger ones may be able to puncture human skin with their venomous claws. And although centipede venom has been investigated for, a bite in the wild may result in pain comparable to that of a wasp sting.Millipedes do not bite or sting and can generally be handled safely, followed by thorough hand-washing.
Their chemical defenses may include poisons, such as cyanide, but typically in very small quantities. But not all millipede secretions are unpleasant to humans. Members of a group called the cherry millipedes release a chemical called benzaldehyde, which smells like cherries or almonds.Some myriapods come in dull colors that blend in with the earth. Others have bright colors or contrasting patterns, which serve as warnings to would-be predators that the critters would be unpleasant or dangerous to eat. There are millipedes in vibrant yellows, blues and purples.
Some millipedes even, and a couple of species are — that is, they produce their own light.So, why do these creatures have so many legs?' Hennen said, adding that these creatures have survived for some 400 million years. 'They've found a niche in which all of these legs help them.' Further reading:. More about the ',' from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. The specific, from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. from the Library of Congress.
How to tell them apartHow do I tell the difference between a centipede and a millipede?
The centipede ('hundred legs') and millipede ('thousand legs') have various similarities, reflecting their biological relationship. Both, for instance, have common evolutionary roots, which extend back for more than 400 million years. Although related to lobsters, shrimp and crayfish, both are creatures of the land. Both have elongated, exoskeletal, segmented bodies. Both molt, extending the segments of their bodies. Both may live for several years. The centipede and the millipede also, however, have distinctive features.
![]() Comparison of Anatomy and Appearance
Banded desert centipede. Note that each segment has a single pair of legs; the head, to the right, has segmented antenna; and the final segment, to the left, has modified legs for mating and defense.
Comparison of Defensive Strategies
The centipede uses two modified legs on the last segment of its body trunk and two modified venomous legs on the first segment for defense; the millipede uses glands that run along its trunk to produce - and sometimes squirt - noxious chemicals that discourage predators.
Comparison of Mobility
The centipede, with comparatively long legs, can move swiftly for short distances in a sprint to capture prey or elude predators; the millipede, with its short legs, can only move laboriously as it forages in soil and plant litter for food.
Comparison of Habitat
Both being susceptible to desiccation, a centipede seeks out stony crevices, fallen leaves, rotting logs, and the damp nooks in your home; the millipede favors decaying vegetation.
Comparison of Foraging
As a predator, the centipede feeds on animals as diverse as insects, spiders, reptiles and birds; as scavengers and herbivores, most species of millipede feed on decaying plant material and sprouting seedlings.
Reproduction
The centipede male deposits sperm bundles, entrusting females to find them and impregnate themselves. By contrast, the millipede male and female join in mating. Centipede and millipede females both typically lay their eggs in underground nests. The females of some centipede species abandon their eggs, leaving the broods to manage on their own; the females of other species nurtures their broods until the offspring can manage on their own. The females of all the various millipede species remain with their eggs until they hatch, and they nurture the offspring until they can manage on their own.
Author: Jay Sharp Common Questions About Centipedes
Health and Medical Disclaimer Click here.
Health and Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this web site and by this web site through content provided by Authors or third party providers, and in other sources to which it refers, is PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease.
Information provided at and by DesertUSA is NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL CARE. If you have a medical concern, or suspect you have a health problem you should consult your primary doctor or specialist.
If you cannot agree to this Health and Medical Disclaimer, you are not permitted to use this web site and should exit immediately.
Share this page on Facebook:DesertUSA Newsletter -- We send articles on hiking, camping and places to explore, as well as animals, wildflower reports, plant information and much more. Sign up below or read more about the DesertUSA newsletter here. (It's Free.) The Desert Environment
Are you interested in the temperatures in the desert? Click here to see current desert temperatures! ![]() Comments are closed.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |