Basic:
Myriapoda is a subphylum of arthropods containing millipedes, centipedes, and others. The group contains over 13,000 species, all of which are terrestrial. Although their name suggests they have myriad (10,000) legs, myriapods range from having over 750 legs to having fewer than ten legs.
Body Anatomy:
As their name suggests, myriapods have many of legs. In general, each segment of the trunk has one pair of legs. Chilopods (centipedes) have their first pair of walking legs modified into clawlike appendages; diplopods (millipedes) have each pair of segments fused together, resulting in two pairs of legs per segment. In other groups, some legs may be modified into gonopods, serving a reproductive function.
Having numerous legs requires a degree of rhythmic movement in order to achieve good coordination. Segment and leg length determine the basic gaits, which may be modified to allow rapid escape or slow soil penetration. Movement is characterized by a metachronal wave-like rhythm.
Having numerous legs requires a degree of rhythmic movement in order to achieve good coordination. Segment and leg length determine the basic gaits, which may be modified to allow rapid escape or slow soil penetration. Movement is characterized by a metachronal wave-like rhythm.
Habitat and Diet:
Myriapods are most abundant in moist forests, where they fulfill an important role in breaking down decaying plant material, although a few live in grasslands, semi-arid habitats or even deserts. A very small percentage of species are littoral (found along the sea shore). They are detritivores, rotting wood and leaves form the main part of your diet, breaking dead plant material into small pieces. bacteria and microscopic fungi feed on the feces of detritivores, making them an important link in the recycling of organic matter in soil.
Reproduction and Life Cycle:
Both Centipedes and Millipedes have separate sexes, the females lay the eggs that have been fertilized by the males. Some species lay eggs in a 'nest' where they are guarded by the female, others lay eggs one at a time and leave them . Centipedes develop slowly, sometimes with seven or more molts occurring before they mature. In most cases, the hatchlings and immature centipedes closely resemble adults; others, however, have only a few pair of legs. Depending on species, the immature centipedes may or may not grow new body segments and legs as they molt.
Interesting Facts: |
1. Centipedes are the only arthropods known to have 'poison claws'.
2. All centipedes are predators. 3.When they hatch millipedes only have three pairs of legs. 4. Male millipedes court females with songs and backrubs. 5. Male millipedes have 'sex' legs called gonopods. |