However, millipedes are more rounded and they have 4 legs on each segment under their body. Millipedes have more legs on each segment than centipedesīoth millipedes and centipedes have long segmented bodies. In contrast, millipedes prefer decaying organic matter and will also eat the leaves and roots of seedling plants. Some large species will also eat small birds, mice, or reptiles. They will eat spiders, insects, and other small invertebrates by biting and injecting their prey with venom. Centipedes and millipedes have different dietsĬentipedes are carnivores and millipedes are mostly detritivores.
CENTIPEDE AND MILLIPEDE DIFFERENCES SKIN
Some species have glands that produce a defensive fluid that can burn skin and cause allergic reactions in humans. On the other hand, millipedes don’t have a stinging structure and tend to curl into a ball as a defense mechanism. The larger species with brighter colors are the most venomous and dangerous to handle. Small children or anyone with an insect allergy should still be careful and monitor symptoms closely after a bite. Although their bite can kill small prey, the house centipedes in North America typically aren’t life-threatening to humans. Centipedes are venomousĪ centipede’s main defense mechanism is their maxillipeds, which are venomous, modified legs on their first segment. Centipede nymphs take up to 3 years to mature into adults. Millipedes tend to mature within 2 to 5 years and live for several more years after maturity. Millipedes have lifespans from 1 to 10 years however, centipedes typically live between 3 to 6 years.
Millipedes have longer lifespans Image by Graham Richardson from Pixabay Millipedes can be bright colors like orange, yellow, and red but it’s more common to see a darker, black or gray, millipede. For example, the Indian giant tiger centipede ( Scolopendra polymorpha) has black and yellow body segments. Centipedes can be multicoloredĬentipedes are typically orange, yellow, tan, or black however, they can also be multicolored with different color body parts. Read on for 12 main differences to help you identify between the two anthropods. Centipedes vs millipedesĪlthough they look similar, you may be surprised to learn about all the differences between centipedes and millipedes. Read on for 12 ways you can identify which one of these many-legged animals you come across. There are more differences between centipedes vs millipedes than you might think. So, how do you know what’s in your garden or house? However, one can bite and produce venom while the other would rather curl up into a ball. Especially since they both prefer protected and moist habitats. When you see something scuttle by, it’s not always the easiest to figure out if you just saw a millipede or a centipede. Both are anthropods with long, segmented bodies and many little legs.
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