Millipede
Millipedes are arthropods in the class Diplopoda, known for their elongated segmented bodies and two pairs of legs on most body segments.
Millipedes are arthropods in the class Diplopoda, known for their elongated segmented bodies and two pairs of legs on most body segments. They are found worldwide and are usually detritivores or herbivores that feed on decaying plant matter and leaf litter. Despite the name, most species have far fewer than 1,000 legs.
Classification
Millipedes belong to the arthropod class Diplopoda within the myriapods. This group includes thousands of described species and is widely distributed around the world.
Physical characteristics
Millipedes typically have cylindrical or slightly flattened segmented bodies, with two pairs of legs on most apparent segments. Their common name refers to many feet, but most species have far fewer than a thousand legs.
Ecology and diet
Most millipedes feed on decaying vegetation, leaf litter, and other organic matter. They play an important role in decomposition and nutrient cycling in many ecosystems.
Defence and behaviour
Millipedes are usually slow-moving and often curl into a tight coil when threatened. Some species also produce defensive secretions that may irritate predators or other animals.
Key facts
- Millipedes are arthropods, not insects.
- Most body segments bear two pairs of legs, which distinguishes them from centipedes.
- The name comes from Latin words meaning 'thousand' and 'foot,' but most species do not have 1,000 legs.
- Millipedes are commonly found worldwide.
- They are generally slow-moving and are important decomposers in ecosystems.
Millipedes occur in Canada; one source notes that about 1,400 species occur in the United States and Canada combined.[14]
Frequently asked questions
What is a millipede?
Are millipedes insects?
Do millipedes really have 1,000 legs?
What do millipedes eat?
How are millipedes different from centipedes?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MillipedeSupports: Class Diplopoda, two pairs of legs on most segments, about 12,000 named species.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/millipedeSupports: Millipedes are arthropods in the class Diplopoda and are distributed worldwide.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/millipedesSupports: Definition describing cylindrical segmented body and two pairs of legs on most apparent segments.
- The Encyclopedia of Astrobiology, Astronomy, and Spaceflight — https://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/M/millipede.htmlSupports: General description, distribution, and long evolutionary history.
- Macalester College — https://www.macalester.edu/ordway/biodiversity/inventory/millipedediplo/Supports: Millipedes as decomposers and long evolutionary history; approximate number of described species.
- National Wildlife Federation — https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/MillipedesSupports: Worldwide distribution, not insects, dietary role, and occurrence in the United States and Canada.
- NatureWorks — https://www.natureworks.nhpbs.org/kingdom/diplopoda/Supports: Body form, feeding habits, defence behaviour, and defensive secretions.