Millipedes vs Centipedes: Legs per Body Segment

Millipedes vs Centipedes: Legs per Body Segment

Millipedes and centipedes are both types of arthropods belonging to the subphylum Myriapoda. One of the key differences between these two groups of invertebrates is the number of legs they have per body segment. In the context of legs per body segment, millipedes generally surpass centipedes.

Millipedes are characterized by having two pairs of legs per diplosegment, which is a result of the embryonic fusion of adjacent pairs of body segments. This distinct feature gives millipedes their name, which means "thousand feet," although they do not actually have a thousand legs. The number of legs in millipedes can range from 10 to 750 legs, depending on the species.

On the other hand, centipedes like Scutigera coleoptrata typically have one pair of legs per segment. This means that centipedes have fewer legs per body segment compared to millipedes. Despite having fewer legs, centipedes are known for their agility and fast movements, as they are predatory arthropods that hunt for smaller invertebrates.

Both millipedes and centipedes are commonly found in terrestrial habitats, particularly in humid environments or moist soils. They play important roles in the ecosystem as decomposers, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil.

Overall, when considering the number of legs per body segment, millipedes have a higher leg count compared to centipedes. This distinction in leg arrangement reflects the evolutionary adaptations and unique characteristics of these fascinating arthropods.