Centipedes and millipedes are two different types of arthropods, centipede belongs to the class Chilopoda, and millipedes belong to the class Diplopoda. Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, Millipedes have two pairs. Centipedes and Millipedes both have segmented body structures, they often confused each other due to their similar appearance. However, despite their similarities, they have distinct differences that set them apart.
Also Read: Arthropoda
Difference between Centipedes and Millipedes
Characteristics | Centipede | Millipede |
| Habitat | Centipedes can be found in various habitats like terrestrial/aquatic. | Millipedes can be found in various habitats like terrestrial/aquatic. |
| Classification | Phylum-Arthropoda and Class-Chilopoda | Phylum- Arthropoda and Class- Diplopoda |
| Leg Arrangement | One pair of legs per body segment | Two pairs of legs per body segment |
| Number of Legs | 30 to 354 | 80 to 400 |
| Body Shape | Flattened and elongated | Cylindrical and rounded |
| Color | Brown/ Red/ Dark coloration | Bright color/Black/Brown coloration. |
| Feeding Habitat | Carnivorous | Detritivores |
| Reproduction | No copulation occurs, the female receives spermatophores and lays eggs. | Male gonophore transfer to female which lays eggs. |
| Protective Nature | Poisonous venoms affect humans also. | They also have poisonous venoms but can not affect human only affects vegetative fields. |
Centipedes
Centipedeshave dorso ventral flattened bodies. They have a hundred legs and depending on the species they can have 30 to 354 legs. Centipedes are carnivorous they can kill prey due to their sharpened jaw. Trachea is also present for respiration. Centipedes are carnivorous and feed on insects, small zooplankton, spiders, etc.
Millipedes
Millipedes have a cylindrical body, also known as thousand lagers they have two pairs of legs per body segment. Trachea is present for respiration, and for excretion malpighian tubules are present. Millipedes have compound eyes are presents.
Similarities Between Centipedes and Millipedes
- Both belong to the class of arthropods.
- Both can be found in various habitats.
- Centipedes and Millipedes both are oviparous.
- Centipedes and Millipedes are ecologically important to maintain the food chain of the aquatic ecosystem.
Conclusion
Centipedes are carnivorous and have flattened bodies, and while millipedes have cylindrical bodies, they are detritivorous. Centipedes do not have capabilities of copulation they transfer spermatophores to the female that lays 30-40 eggs, Millipedes transfer their gonophores to the females that lay eggs. For their protection, they both have poisonous venomous. We can differentiate between them only by the physical appearance of Centipedes and Millipedes.