Centipedes and millipedes are two different types of arthropods, centipede belongs to the class Chilopoda, and millipedes belong to the class Diplopoda. Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, Millipedes have two pairs. Centipedes and Millipedes both have segmented body structures, they often confused each other due to their similar appearance. However, despite their similarities, they have distinct differences that set them apart. 

 

Also Read: Arthropoda

Difference between Centipedes and Millipedes

Centipedes 

Centipedeshave dorso ventral flattened bodies. They have a hundred legs and depending on the species they can have 30 to 354 legs. Centipedes are carnivorous they can kill prey due to their sharpened jaw. Trachea is also present for respiration. Centipedes are carnivorous and feed on insects, small zooplankton, spiders, etc.

Millipedes

Millipedes have a cylindrical body, also known as thousand lagers they have two pairs of legs per body segment. Trachea is present for respiration, and for excretion malpighian tubules are present. Millipedes have compound eyes are presents.

Similarities Between Centipedes and Millipedes

• Both belong to the class of arthropods.
• Both can be found in various habitats.
• Centipedes and Millipedes both are oviparous.
• Centipedes and Millipedes are ecologically important to maintain the food chain of the aquatic ecosystem.

Conclusion

Centipedes are carnivorous and have flattened bodies, and while millipedes have cylindrical bodies, they are detritivorous. Centipedes do not have capabilities of copulation they transfer spermatophores to the female that lays 30-40 eggs, Millipedes transfer their gonophores to the females that lay eggs. For their protection, they both have poisonous venomous. We can differentiate between them only by the physical appearance of Centipedes and Millipedes. 

FAQs on Centipede and Millipede

Q1: Write about the protective nature of Centipede and Millipedes.

Answer:

Centipedes and Millipedes both have pairs of antennae acting as sensors they secrets poisonous for their protection centipede’s poison can affect humans but millipedes can not be effective on humans. 

Q2: Are Centipedes Poisonous?

Answer:

Biting of centipedes injects poison into the prey but it is not a serious threat to humans.

Q3: Are Centipedes and Millipedes Oviparous?

Answer:

Centipedes and Millipedes do not have capabilities of copulation they lay 30-40 eggs.