October, 2018

Stone Centipede

Centipedes might look a lot like millipedes but there are some major differences, not the least of which is that they are in different classes; centipedes are in chilopoda while millipedes belong in diplopoda. Millipedes are slow moving scavengers while centipedes, such as the stone centipede (Lithobius sp.) shown here, are speedy predators. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment while centipedes have only one. And centipedes cannot curl up in a spiral like millipedes can. If you handle a millipede, the worst that can happen is you get some stinky goo on your fingers because that is a millipede's defense; it oozes out of pores on their sides. Centipedes, though, have venom and can bite, so they are better left alone. The main similarity is that both kinds of arthropods live under rocks.