Comparison of Centipede and Millipede Body Structure Legs and Behavior
Centipede and Millipede
The largest phylum of the animal kingdom is Arthropoda. This is more clear from the fact that out of all the species found on earth 78% belongs to phylum Arthropoda. It is the 6th phylum in the animal kingdom and the members of this phylum have jointed appendages (arthro-jointed; pods-appendages). Both centipede and millipede belong to this phylum.
1.Centipede
Scientific name - Scolopendra
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Arthropoda
Subphylum - Mandibulata
Class – Chilopoda
2.Millipede
Scientific name - Julus
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Arthropoda
Subphylum - Mandibulata
Class - Diplopoda
Subphylum- Mandibulata
Phylum Arthropoda is so much vast that it is again divided into 3 subphyla as
Trilobitomorpha
Chelicerata
Mandibulata
Mandibulata is the largest subphylum of Arthropoda. It has 6 classes.
Since millipede and centipede belong to mandibulata we will restrict our discussion to this subphylum only.
General Characteristics Of Organisms Placed In Mandibulata Are-
Habitat can be terrestrial/aquatic/volant/ parasite.
Respiration by gills/trachea.
Compound/simple eyes may be present.
Development may include the presence of larva (indirect) or may not (direct).
Pair of structures like antenna, mandible, maxilla may be present or may be absent.
Here two classes of mandibulata out of six are discussed to which centipede and millipede belong.
Class - Chilopoda
The members of this class are known as centipedes or hundred leggers. Even though they are called a hundred leggers but they have nearly about 30-300 legs.
They have a Dorso-ventrally flattened body.
These organisms are poisonous to men.
They respire through the trachea.
Their excretion takes place through Malpighian tubules.
They have one pair of antennas, one pair of mandibles, and two pairs of the maxilla.
Examples- Scolopendra/Centipede,
Alpes grandidieri- feather tail centipede
Lithobius forficatus - stone centipede
Ethmostigmus trigonous - blue ring centipede
Class - Diplopoda
There are around 8000 species that are estimated to be in Diplopoda out of which only 3000 are known to us.
The members of this class are known as Millipede/thousand leggers.
They have a cylindrical body.
They are non-poisonous to men
Respiration takes place by the trachea.
Excretion takes place by Malpighian tubules.
They may have simple eyes or can be absent. Compound eyes are absent.
One pair of antenna, One pair of mandate tables, and One pair of the maxilla are present on their body.
Examples-Millipede/Julus, Octoglena sierra, Anadenobolus monilia, sis, E plus pulchripes, etc.
(Image to be added soon)
Difference Between Centipede and Millipede
After knowing the general characteristics of the class to which these organisms belong, it becomes easy to differentiate between the two organisms. Some people might think both are same but the following table will make the difference more clear -
Centipede V/S Millipedes
Fun Facts
Do you know that the largest existing species of centipede is the Amazonian centipede - Scolopendra gigantic (30cm in length).
Also, millipedes are the oldest land animals found on earth!
FAQs on Difference Between Centipede And Millipede in Biology
1. What is the main difference between a centipede and a millipede?
The main difference between a centipede and a millipede is that centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, while millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment.
- Centipedes: One pair of legs per segment; flattened body; fast-moving predators.
- Millipedes: Two pairs of legs per segment; cylindrical body; slow-moving detritivores.
- Centipedes possess venomous claws, whereas millipedes do not.
2. How many legs does a centipede have compared to a millipede?
Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, while millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment.
- Centipedes may have 15–177 pairs of legs depending on the species.
- Millipedes can have dozens to hundreds of legs, often more than centipedes.
- Despite the name, millipedes do not actually have 1,000 legs.
3. Are centipedes poisonous and millipedes harmless?
Centipedes are venomous predators, whereas millipedes are generally harmless decomposers.
- Centipedes use modified front legs called forcipules to inject venom into prey.
- Millipedes do not bite but may release mild defensive chemicals when threatened.
- Centipede bites can be painful to humans but are rarely life-threatening.
4. What do centipedes and millipedes eat?
Centipedes are carnivorous predators, while millipedes are herbivorous or detritivorous feeders.
- Centipedes feed on insects, spiders, and small invertebrates.
- Millipedes consume decaying leaves, wood, and organic matter.
- Millipedes play an important role in decomposition and nutrient cycling.
5. How can you identify a centipede versus a millipede?
You can identify a centipede by its flattened body and single pair of legs per segment, while a millipede has a cylindrical body and two pairs of legs per segment.
- Centipedes: Flattened shape, long antennae, fast runners.
- Millipedes: Round body, slow movement, curl into a coil when disturbed.
- Centipedes have visible venom claws; millipedes do not.
6. Do centipedes and millipedes belong to the same group?
Yes, both centipedes and millipedes belong to the phylum Arthropoda, but they are classified into different classes.
- Centipedes belong to class Chilopoda.
- Millipedes belong to class Diplopoda.
- Both have jointed legs, segmented bodies, and an external exoskeleton.
7. Why do millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment?
Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment because each visible segment is formed by the fusion of two body segments, called a diplosegment.
- This segment fusion results in four legs per apparent segment.
- The extra legs help in slow, steady movement through soil and leaf litter.
- This adaptation supports their detritivorous lifestyle.
8. Can centipedes and millipedes live in the same habitat?
Yes, centipedes and millipedes can live in the same moist habitats, but they occupy different ecological niches.
- Both prefer damp environments like soil, leaf litter, and under rocks.
- Centipedes hunt small insects in these areas.
- Millipedes feed on decaying organic material.
9. Which moves faster, a centipede or a millipede?
Centipedes move faster than millipedes because they are active predators.
- Centipedes have long legs that extend outward, allowing rapid movement.
- Millipedes move slowly with short legs positioned under the body.
- Millipedes rely more on curling up and chemical defense than speed.
10. Why are centipedes and millipedes important in the ecosystem?
Centipedes and millipedes are important because they help maintain ecological balance through predation and decomposition.
- Centipedes control insect populations as natural predators.
- Millipedes break down dead plant material, aiding nutrient cycling.
- Both contribute to soil health and ecosystem stability.
