Centipede vs. Millipede: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 31, 2024
Centipedes are predatory arthropods with one pair of legs per body segment, fast and venomous, while millipedes are slow-moving detritivores with two pairs of legs per segment.
Key Differences
Centipedes are elongated, segmented creatures with one pair of legs per segment and are known for their speed and agility. Millipedes, in contrast, are slower, with two pairs of legs per body segment and a more rounded body.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
The diet of a centipede primarily includes insects and small animals, which they hunt using their venomous fangs. Millipedes, however, feed on decaying organic matter and are not venomous.
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Jan 31, 2024
In terms of defense, centipedes can bite and inject venom to defend themselves or capture prey. Millipedes often curl into a tight spiral to protect themselves and can secrete a mild irritant.
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Jan 31, 2024
Centipedes have a more flattened body which aids in their quick movements, especially in narrow spaces. Millipedes have a cylindrical body that is not conducive to rapid movement.
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Jan 31, 2024
Habitat-wise, centipedes are often found in moist environments like under stones or in leaf litter, but they can also venture into homes. Millipedes prefer damp, decaying environments like compost piles and rotting logs.
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Jan 31, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Diet
Predatory, feeding on insects and small creatures
Detritivore, feeding on decaying organic matter
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Jan 31, 2024
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Centipede and Millipede Definitions
Centipede
A predatory arthropod with a segmented body and one pair of legs per segment.
A centipede quickly scurried across the forest floor hunting for insects.
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Jan 11, 2024
Millipede
Creatures that protect themselves by curling into a spiral and secreting irritants.
When threatened, the millipede secreted a mild toxin to deter predators.
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Centipede
Insects with a flattened body enabling them to move in narrow spaces.
The centipede maneuvered through the small crevice to escape from the light.
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Millipede
A slow-moving detritivore with a segmented, cylindrical body.
A millipede curled up when touched, protecting its delicate underside.
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Centipede
Predators that use venom to subdue their prey.
The centipede captured a small spider using its venomous bite.
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Millipede
Arthropods with two pairs of legs per body segment, feeding on decay.
The millipede was found feeding on decomposing leaves in the garden.
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Centipede
Elongated, multi-legged arthropods found in various environments.
In the damp basement, a centipede was seen crawling along the wall.
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Millipede
Organisms that play a role in breaking down organic matter in the ecosystem.
Millipedes contribute to soil health by decomposing plant material.
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Centipede
Venomous creatures known for their speed and agility.
The gardener found a centipede under a rock, its fangs ready to defend itself.
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Millipede
Non-venomous creatures known for their numerous legs and gentle nature.
Children watched in fascination as the harmless millipede crawled slowly across their hands.
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Jan 11, 2024
Centipede
Any of various predatory arthropods of the class Chilopoda, having a long flattened body composed of segments, each bearing a pair of jointed appendages. The appendages of the foremost body segment are modified into venomous claws. Also called chilopod.
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Jan 11, 2024
Millipede
Any of various arthropods of the class Diplopoda, having a cylindrical segmented body with two pairs of legs attached to each segment except for the first four thoracic segments, and feeding chiefly on decaying organic matter. Also called diplopod.
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Centipede
Any arthropod of class Chilopoda, which have a segmented body with one pair of legs per segment and from about 20 to 300 legs in total.
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Millipede
Any of many elongated arthropods, of the class Diplopoda, with cylindrical bodies that have two pairs of legs for each one of their 20 to 100 or more body segments.
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Centipede
A species of the Myriapoda; esp. the large, flattened, venomous kinds of the order Chilopoda, found in tropical climates. they are many-jointed, and have a great number of feet.
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Jan 11, 2024
Millipede
Any of numerous herbivorous nonpoisonous arthropods having a cylindrical body of 20 to 100 or more segments most with two pairs of legs
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Centipede
Chiefly nocturnal predacious arthropod having a flattened body of 15 to 173 segments each with a pair of legs the foremost being modified into poison fangs
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Jan 11, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What habitats do centipedes prefer?
Centipedes prefer moist environments like leaf litter and under stones.
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Jan 31, 2024
How do centipedes defend themselves?
Centipedes use their venomous fangs to defend against predators.
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Jan 31, 2024
Do millipedes have a thousand legs?
No, despite the name, millipedes do not have a thousand legs.
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How do millipedes contribute to the ecosystem?
Millipedes help decompose organic matter, enriching the soil.
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How do millipedes defend themselves?
Millipedes curl into a spiral and may secrete a mild irritant.
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Jan 31, 2024
Are centipedes dangerous to humans?
Centipedes can bite, but they are generally not dangerous to humans.
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Can millipedes survive in water?
Millipedes cannot survive submerged in water.
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Jan 31, 2024
Are millipedes poisonous?
Millipedes are not poisonous, but some can secrete irritants.
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Jan 31, 2024
Can centipedes be kept as pets?
Yes, some people keep centipedes as exotic pets.
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Jan 31, 2024
What is the lifespan of a millipede?
Millipedes can live for several years.
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Jan 31, 2024
Can centipedes climb walls?
Yes, some centipedes can climb vertical surfaces.
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Jan 31, 2024
Are millipedes active during the day?
Millipedes are generally more active at night or in damp conditions.
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Jan 31, 2024
Do millipedes have eyes?
Millipedes have simple eyes but rely more on touch and smell.
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What are the main predators of centipedes?
Birds, toads, and spiders are among the predators of centipedes.
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Jan 31, 2024
How many legs does a centipede have?
The number of legs in centipedes varies, but they have one pair per segment.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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