What Is The Relationship Between Insects, Millipedes, And Centipedes?

Millipedes and centipedes are similar in many ways, including having one pair of antennae, many pairs of legs, and breathing through little holes or spiracles. Centipedes are elongated segmented creatures with one pair of legs per body segment and are venomous, injecting their venom through pincer-like appendages known as forcipules. They can be multicolored and have a single pair of legs per body segment, while millipedes have two.

Despite their similarities, centipedes and millipedes are not insects but terrestrial arthropods. They belong to the subphylum Myriapoda in the phylum Arthropoda, which includes insects, spiders, centipedes, millipedes, and crustaceans. They come in a large range of sizes, with the smallest centipedes growing to no longer than 0. 4 inches (1 centimeter) long, while the longest may reach up to 1 centimeters.

Both centipedes and millipedes are classified as arthropods, meaning they have multiple body segments and jointed legs. Insects have three body segments, while centipedes have one pair of legs on each body segment. They are not true insects but are arthropods related to insects, and they are not harmful to people, food, clothes, or furniture.

Both centipedes and millipedes are invertebrates (without backbones) and belong to the largest phylum in the Animal Kingdom, which also includes insects and spiders. Centipedes mostly eat insects after killing them with their venom, while millipedes feast on decomposing plants.

In conclusion, centipedes and millipedes are similar in many ways, but they are more closely related to lobsters, crayfish, and shrimp.

Are Millipedes Bad In A House?

Millipedes are common occasional pests that invade buildings, particularly during hot and dry weather. They often enter in large numbers but pose no threat to humans as they do not bite, sting, transmit diseases, or infest food, clothing, or dry, structurally sound wood. Despite their unsettling appearance, millipedes are harmless and typically survive only a few days in the dry environments of homes. When alarmed, they may secrete irritating substances, but these pests do not cause damage to structures or furnishings.

In residences, especially during summer, millipedes may infest homes and basements seeking cooler conditions. While their sudden increase in numbers can be unpleasant and create an immediate nuisance, there is generally no need for alarm. Homeowners can consider waiting out their presence, as millipedes die quickly due to indoor dryness. However, consistently high populations might become bothersome, prompting the need for preventive measures to limit their entry. Overall, millipedes are not harmful but can be an unwanted summer pest.

What Kills Millipedes Instantly?

Diatomaceous earth, a natural powder, effectively kills millipedes by dehydrating them. To manage millipedes in your home and garden, it's essential to identify their presence, implement preventive measures, and utilize natural remedies. For immediate results, consider using indoor pest sprays specifically designed for millipedes, or leverage insecticidal soap and tube traps. Experts recommend a three-pronged strategy: eliminating attractants in your home, using traps, and employing diatomaceous earth as part of the extermination process.

Numerous DIY methods exist for millipede removal, such as utilizing a vacuum for substantial infestations. In total, around 20 of the 7, 000 millipede species are found in America. Recommended products include natural concentrates like Wondercide, which offer preventive measures against pests. To create a barrier, apply a liquid insecticide around your home’s foundation.

Essential oils like tea tree and peppermint, when diluted with water, can also repel millipedes. Other effective repellent substances include boric acid and cayenne pepper. For immediate eradication, direct aerosol insecticide sprays can be highly effective. Maintain cleanliness in areas such as basements where millipedes are likely to inhabit, ensuring a thorough wash afterward.

Do Centipedes Have Long Legs?

Both millipedes and centipedes feature long segmented bodies, but there are several notable differences between them. Millipedes have a more rounded appearance and possess four legs on each segment, while centipedes are flatter and have only two legs per segment. The legs of centipedes are generally longer and more prominent as well. Centipedes can have up to 15 pairs of legs attached to their rigid bodies, with each successive pair being longer than the one in front, which aids in their quick movement.

Centipedes are elongated, segmented creatures characterized by one pair of legs per body segment and possess a venomous bite, facilitated by modified legs called forcipules or toxicognaths, which serve to inject venom. An adult centipede typically has between 15 and 177 pairs of legs, but the total is always more or less than 100. This species is known for its hard exoskeleton and jointed legs.

The centipede's head has a set of antennae and mandibles. In terms of classification, Scutigeromorpha includes house centipedes with long, slender legs and are often found in human habitats, while Lithobiomorpha includes centipedes with varying body forms.

Centipedes, known as predatory arthropods, have a flattened body, long antennae, and many legs, with movements that allow for agility over obstacles when fleeing or pursuing prey. They generally measure between 75–100 mm (3–4 inches) and can reach running speeds of 0. 4 meters per second (1. 3 ft/s). House centipedes, a common type, have a unique appearance with a rounded trunk and long legs and are capable of utilizing the tips of their legs as sensory organs. Overall, centipedes exhibit significant diversity, with around 53 different species found in the UK.

What Are Centipedes Closely Related To?

Millipedes and centipedes are not insects; they are more closely related to marine animals like lobsters, crayfish, and shrimp. These terrestrial arthropods thrive in humid environments and exhibit nocturnal behavior. Millipedes, often referred to as "1, 000-legged worms," have elongated, wormlike bodies with rounded segments, each featuring two pairs of legs. Their head is rounded with short antennae, and they typically range in length from under 1 inch to over 2 inches, displaying colors from light brown to black. Millipedes are adept at climbing walls.

Centipedes, known for their predatory nature, differ from millipedes, which are herbivorous. Both categories belong to the subphylum Myriapoda within the phylum Arthropoda. Centipedes are considered to be among the earliest branched classes from their last common ancestor. Symphylans, or garden centipedes, are also related but smaller in size, typically measuring 3 to 6 cm with 6 to 12 pairs of legs.

While they may appear as mutant worms, centipedes and millipedes play a beneficial role in ecosystems, helping control pest populations like silverfish. Understanding their unique traits distinguishes them from other arthropods, highlighting their ecological importance.

What Animal Has 750 Legs?

Illacme plenipes, commonly known as the California millipede, holds the record for the most legs among known animals, with up to 750 legs. This siphonorhinid millipede, first discovered in 1926, was rediscovered in 2005 by Paul Marek after being lost for nearly 80 years. Despite being part of the millipede family, Illacme plenipes and most other millipedes do not actually reach the implied "thousand legs"; instead, they typically possess between 30 and 350 pairs of legs, with an average count around 600. However, the record was broken by Eumillipes persephone—a species described in 2021—boasting an astonishing 1306 legs.

Millipedes are often misunderstood due to their name, which translates to "thousand feet," yet most species average significantly fewer legs. The bizareness of Illacme plenipes extends beyond its impressive limb count; it is a white, eyeless creature that thrives in the depths of the soil. It is among the three known species in the genus Illacme.

Archaeologically, findings suggest millipedes date back quite far, but they continue to amaze researchers. The limits of leg counts in the millipede world emphasize the wondrous variety of specifications found within the arthropod phylum. Other millipedes in California are also noteworthy, but none surpass the leg count of Illacme plenipes until the discovery of Eumillipes persephone, which was named after the mythological figure associated with the underworld, aligning with its subterranean existence.

Why Should You Not Squish A House Centipede?

Before deciding to squish a house centipede, consider their beneficial role; they are effective allies in controlling pests such as moths, flies, roaches, silverfish, and termites. Squishing them could eliminate a valuable pest control agent that helps protect your home and family from harmful insects. Often seen darting across floors at night, house centipedes may appear frightening, but they do not damage furniture or overpopulate homes like other pests. Instead of being a threat, they play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced home environment.

It’s important to maintain a suitable moisture level in your home, as excess moisture can attract these pests. If a centipede appears, there's no need to panic or kill it; ignore it, and it will likely leave you alone as it preys on more bothersome insects. House centipedes have around 15 pairs of legs and can move quickly, which may instill fear, but they are not dangerous to humans. Their bites may cause mild discomfort, but serious health issues are rare.

Additionally, removing a centipede could invite more into your home, as the scent of squished insects signals other centipedes. They are not poisonous and are generally harmless, so there’s little risk in coexisting. Embrace the presence of these creatures, as they contribute to pest control and reduce the need for more aggressive extermination methods. Instead of stepping on them, appreciate their role in keeping your home insect-free.

Which Phylum Do Millipedes Belong To?

Millipedes and centipedes are both part of the phylum Arthropoda and the subphylum Myriapoda; however, they belong to different classes—millipedes to Diplopoda and centipedes to Chilopoda. Millipedes are characterized by elongated, cylindrical bodies with two pairs of jointed legs on most segments, distinguishing them as true diplopods. This class, Diplopoda, includes about 10, 000 species across 15 orders and 115 families, primarily inhabiting terrestrial ecosystems as vital detritus consumers. They can be found globally, except for Antarctica.

In contrast, centipedes, which are part of the class Chilopoda, have a different structure with one pair of legs per body segment, contributing to their more agile movements. Both groups share the common features of arthropods, such as possessing an exoskeleton. Researchers who specialize in millipedes are referred to as diplopodologists, and their study is known as diplopodology.

While millipedes and centipedes share a common ancestry within the Myriapoda subphylum, they exhibit significant differences in anatomy, behavior, and ecological roles. The subphylum encompasses various terrestrial arthropods aside from these two groups, such as the less-known species, illustrating the diversity within Myriapoda. Overall, millipedes and centipedes represent distinct adaptations within the larger context of arthropods.

How Are Millipedes And Centipedes Related?

Millipedes and centipedes both belong to the phylum Arthropoda and subphylum Myriapoda but are classified under different classes—millipedes in Diplopoda and centipedes in Chilopoda. Centipedes are categorized as chilopods, comprising around 8, 000 species, and their name derives from the Greek words for "lip" and "foot." The term "centipede" comes from the Latin for "hundred feet." In appearance, centipedes typically have a flat body and are often multicolored, while millipedes have a rounded and subcylindrical shape.

Another stark difference lies in their leg structure: millipedes possess two pairs of legs per body segment, compared to centipedes, which have one pair. Millipedes are primarily herbivores, feeding on decaying plant matter, whereas centipedes are carnivorous predators, hunting smaller arthropods using venom to subdue their prey. This distinction in diet significantly affects their lifestyles. Additionally, centipedes are generally longer, measuring 4-12 inches, while millipedes average about 1 inch. Both groups are found on every continent except Antarctica, sharing a common basic body structure of a head and segmented body.

What Do Centipedes Turn Into?

Centipedes, belonging to the class Chilopoda, undergo a series of moults rather than a complete metamorphosis like many insects. This process involves young centipedes, or larvae, hatching from eggs and appearing similar to smaller versions of adults. They may either develop additional body segments and functionalities with each moult, or increase in size while retaining their leg count, depending on the species. Centipedes possess one pair of legs for each body segment, ranging from 14 to 177 pairs, and can inflict painful stings due to their venomous legs, known as forcipules.

Typically nocturnal, these arthropods hunt small invertebrates at night, while hiding during the day under stones, bark, and ground litter. The life cycle of centipedes comprises three primary stages: egg, nymph or juvenile, and adult. Female centipedes usually lay their eggs in sheltered areas, which hatch within approximately three weeks into tiny larvae equipped with three pairs of legs. Throughout their lives, centipedes may molt seven to ten times.

Their ability to adapt allows them to inhabit various ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and caves. With around 3, 300 species, centipedes represent a diverse group of elongated, segmented arthropods that have been around for millions of years, showcasing their fascinating evolutionary journey and ecological importance.