Centipedes | Facts & Information

Origin

The body is elongated in shape and its length varies. Over time various centipede fossils have been found that have been studied. The science that studies centipedes is called Centipede.

Centipedes are commonly found in wet forests. They play an important role in the decomposition of plant debris. There are also species that live in pastures, semi-arid habitats or even deserts. They are generally considered dangerous to humans because they produce toxic secretions.

Feeding Centipedes

Many species are nocturnal hunters.

They feed on decaying leaves.

Centipede Features

The body of centipedes is divided into two regions: head and trunk(also called thorax). On the dorsal side of the head are simple eyes, antennae, ventral orifice and mouthpieces.

The body is segmented, consisting of a varied number of segments, each bearing a pair of limbs. In some centipedes the segments are fused together creating the impression that each segment has double the number of limbs.

The limbs of the first segment are very short with the role of catching and annihilating the prey. The other limbs are mainly used for locomotion. The body of centipedes is covered with a chitinous cuticle.

The internal cavity of the body of millipedes is called myxocele. The nervous system is made up of poorly developed brain and nerve chain. Inetrne fluids are pumped by a dorsal tubular heart. The digestive tract consists of several regions.

Excretion is achieved through Malpighi's tubes, tubes that open at the boundary between the posterior and the middle.

Centipede Breeding

Centipedes are unisexual animals with internal fertilization. The gonads (ovaries and testes) are fused. Mating occurs by transferring the spermatophore from the male to the female.

The eggs laid by the female are rich in nutrients. Centipedes are born with all developed segments resembling adults.

In some species juveniles hatch with a small number of segments and limbs. Their number is completed over time during moulting.