Millipede
Millipede
Millipede (/ˈmɪlɪˌpiːd/; from Latin mille, "thousand", and pes, "foot") is a group of arthropods that are characterised by having two pairs of jointed legs on most body segments. They are known for their elongated, segmented bodies and numerous legs.
Etymology
The term "millipede" is derived from the Latin words mille meaning "thousand" and pes meaning "foot". Despite the name, no known species has 1,000 legs, the record holder, Illacme plenipes, has up to 750.
Anatomy
Millipedes are arthropods in the class Diplopoda. They have a segmented body with each segment bearing two pairs of legs. Their head is rounded with short antennae and they have a hard exoskeleton.
Behavior
Millipedes are typically slow-moving detritivores, eating decaying leaves and other dead plant matter. Some species can produce a toxic liquid secretion or hydrogen cyanide gas through microscopic glands along the sides of their bodies as a means of defense.
Related Terms
- Arthropod: An invertebrate animal having an exoskeleton, a segmented body, and paired jointed appendages.
- Diplopoda: The class of arthropods that includes millipedes.
- Illacme plenipes: A species of millipede endemic to California, and holds the record for most legs of any known animal species.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Millipede
- Wikipedia's article - Millipede
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