Centipedes

Centipedes

Centipedes (/ˈsɛntɪpiːdz/; from Latin centipeda, 'hundred-legs') are arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda of the subphylum Myriapoda, an arthropod group which also includes Millipedes, Symphyla, and Pauropoda.

Etymology

The word "centipede" is derived from the Latin centipeda, meaning "hundred-legs", due to the creature's numerous legs.

Description

Centipedes are elongated metameric creatures with one pair of legs per body segment. Despite the name, centipedes can have a varying number of legs, ranging from 30 to 354. Centipedes always have an odd number of pairs of legs.

Classification

Centipedes belong to the class of Chilopoda and there are five orders of centipedes: Scutigeromorpha, Lithobiomorpha, Craterostigmomorpha, Scolopendromorpha, and Geophilomorpha, each differing in length, number of segments, and lifestyle.

Habitat

Centipedes are found in an array of terrestrial habitats from tropical rainforests to deserts. They are found on all continents except Antarctica.

Behavior

Centipedes are predominantly carnivorous and they display venomous traits. Their venom allows them to attack prey and defend themselves against predators.

Related Terms

• Arthropod
• Myriapoda
• Chilopoda
• Millipedes
• Symphyla
• Pauropoda
• Scutigeromorpha
• Lithobiomorpha
• Craterostigmomorpha
• Scolopendromorpha
• Geophilomorpha
• Antarctica
• Venom

This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.