What is the Difference Between Centipedes & Millipedes?
Both centipedes and millipedes have segmented bodies and belong to Superclass Myriapoda. Both breathe through spiracles and have no direct copulatory organs. However, many differences exist between centipedes and millipedes. Centipedes are terrestrial arthropods belonging to Class Chilopoda. Centipedes are flexible, dorsoventrally flattened arthropods. Millipedes belong to Class Diplopoda and are inflexible arthropods distinguishable by their subcylindrical shape. Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, while millipedes have two pairs. Centipedes and millipedes also vary in diet: centipedes are carnivores and millipedes are primarily detritivores, consuming decomposing vegetation. Millipedes are ecologically esteemed as agents of microbial decomposition and soil nutrient cycles. Centipedes have maxillipeds with which they attack prey. These are the venomous modified legs of the centipede’s first segment and can be used in defense, as well. A centipede bite can kill small pre
