Difference Between Centipede And Millipede
Millipedes have two sets of legs per segment positioned directly under their body. Centipedes have one set of legs per segment positioned on the side of their body. This is the primary Difference between Centipede And Millipede. Check this article to know more.
Jasdeep Bhatia7 Mar, 2024
Share
Difference Between Centipede And Millipede : Arthropoda is the largest phylum in the whole animal kingdom. This is proved by the fact that 78% of all species found on Earth belong to the phylum Arthropoda. Most of its members have joined appendages (arthro-jointed; pods-appendages). This phylum includes insects like centipedes and millipedes.
Both centipedes and millipedes are multilegged creatures and they belong to a sub-group called Myriapoda. Apart from that there are not many similarities between them. But most people have difficulty distinguishing them. Thus we provide you with some notable differences between centipedes and millipedes.Centipede
The term centipede comes from two Latin words: “centi”- meaning hundred and “pedis”-meaning foot. Thus, it is commonly called the 'Hundred-legged worm'. It belongs to the class Chilopoda Morphology - Centipedes have dorsoventrally flattened and flexible bodies. Their length ranges between 4 and 12 inches. They are typically dark brown or red in shade. Also, their legs are always present in odd numbers. This means that no species of centipede has exactly one hundred legs. Nutrition - Centipedes are carnivorous predators with venomous bites. Their venom often aids in the capture of tiny insects such as ants and cockroaches. Reproduction - They only have one genital opening and do not copulate. Instead of mating, the males release and collect bundles of spermatophores (sperms). The female centipede must receive this sperm in order to reproduce. These females typically lay around 40 to 50 eggs.| Related Links |
Millipede
The term millipede is derived from the Latin phrase 'thousand feet'. No millipede exactly has a thousand legs. However, recently a millipede with more than 1000 legs was recorded. All these creatures belong to a class called Diplopoda. Morphology - Most of them have rigid, non-flexible, and cylindrical bodies. Their length ranges between 1 and 8 inches and their body is usually dark brown or black in color. Nutrition - Millipedes are scavengers. They feed on decomposing and decaying materials. As a result, they act as ecological agents in the soil breakdown and nutrient cycle. Reproduction - They have a single genital opening in the anterior region around the 3rd segment. Here, both the females and males copulate. They copulate through gonopods, which are copulatory organs found in caudal segments. The male gametes are passed within the female body by the gonopods. The females typically lay around 10 to 300 eggs at a time. Difference Between Centipede and Millipede| Characters | Millipede | Centipede |
| Common name | Thousand leggers | Hundred leggers |
| Class | Diplopoda | Chilopoda |
| Shape | Cylindrical body | Flat body |
| Length | 1 - 8 inches | 4 - 12 inches |
| Colour | Generally dark black or brown | They are dark colored in shades of red and brown |
| Habitat | They prefer humid and moist places like gardens | They are found everywhere like leaf litter, soil, wooden logs, etc. |
| Feeding habit | They are detritivorous and thus feed on decaying matter | They are carnivorous and feed on small insects |
| Legs | Most body segments have two pairs of legs which are joined to the underside of the body. | One pair of legs for each body segment. They are joined to the sides of the body, with the final pair extending backward. |
| Locomotion | Slow moving and burrowing | Except for burrowing soil centipedes, most are adapted to running. |
| Reproduction | Reproductive openings are usually in the 3rd segment. The males use their gonopods to insert spermatophores into females | Reproductive openings are usually in the last segment. In general, females pick up the spermatophore that the males make |
| Number of eggs | Upto 300 eggs | Approximately 40 to 50 eggs |
| Spiracles (Respiratory opening) | On the underside of the body | On the top and sides of the body |
| Effect on humans | They are not venomous to humans but can destroy vegetation | They are venomous and can rarely be fatal to humans |
Difference Between Centipede And Millipede FAQs
What are arthropods?
It is a phylum of invertebrate animals that includes crustaceans, arachnids, and insects. They typically have jointed limbs, a segmented body, and an exoskeleton made of chitin which also sheds periodically.
What are myriapods?
Myriapods are members of the subphylum Myriapoda, which includes arthropods like millipedes and centipedes.
How many legs does a centipede have?
Centipedes do not have exactly 100 legs. Their number of legs is determined by the number of body segments they possess. Also, these segments vary with species.
How many legs does a millipede have?
In millipedes, most of their body segments bear 2 pairs of legs. This body segment also varies with species. The number of legs can be anywhere around 300 and above. Also, recently a millipede with more than 1000 legs was officially recorded.
What are some similarities between a millipede and a centipede?
Both these arthropods have antennae and numerous legs. They both breathe through little holes or spiracles on the sides of their bodies. But the position of this spiracle might vary. Also, they both develop by shedding their exoskeletons like any other arthropod.
🔥 Trending Blogs
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.
