Centipede

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Centipede

Centipede (/ˈsɛntɪpiːd/; from Latin centum, "hundred", and pes, pedis, "foot") is a type of arthropod belonging to the class Chilopoda of the subphylum Myriapoda, an invertebrate group.

Etymology

The word "centipede" is derived from the Latin centum, meaning "hundred", and pes, pedis, meaning "foot". Despite the name, centipedes can have a varying number of legs, ranging from 30 to 354.

Description

Centipedes are elongated metameric creatures with one pair of legs per body segment. Most centipedes are generally venomous and could inflict a painful bite, injecting their venom through pincer-like appendage known as forcipules.

Classification

Centipedes belong to the class of Chilopoda in the subphylum Myriapoda. They are further divided into five orders: Scutigeromorpha, Lithobiomorpha, Craterostigmomorpha, Scolopendromorpha, and Geophilomorpha, each differing in number of legs, body structure and lifestyle.

Habitat and Distribution

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

Related Terms

  • Arthropod: An invertebrate having an exoskeleton, a segmented body, and paired jointed appendages.
  • Chilopoda: The class to which centipedes belong.
  • Myriapoda: The subphylum that includes centipedes and their close relatives.
  • Metameric: Having a body composed of similar segments.
  • Forcipules: A pair of venomous pincers in centipedes.
  • Scutigeromorpha: An order of centipedes also known as house centipedes.
  • Lithobiomorpha: An order of centipedes known for their preference for a lithic habitat.
  • Craterostigmomorpha: An order of centipedes that contains only two extant species.
  • Scolopendromorpha: An order of centipedes that includes the largest species.
  • Geophilomorpha: An order of centipedes that includes species with the most legs.

External links

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