Class Chilopoda

Centipedes

Home S.P. Chelicerata S.P. Mandibulata Bibliography Acknowledgements

Size: Small or Medium, from 3 to 15 cm Antennae: One pair, thin and elongated
Diet: Other arthropods Mouthparts: Mandibles
Habitat: Leaf litter, loose bark, under stones and in debris Legs: Fifteen or more pairs, with one pair per segment; first pair is modified to act as poisonous claws
Morphology: Young generally hatch from eggs and are similar in appearance to adults Front Wings: Not present
Segmentation: Have two segments, called the head and the trunk Hind Wings: Not present
Distinctive Characteristics and Behaviors:

           Can be brown, red, orange, yellow or other colors.  Centipedes are dorsoventrally compressed and are elongated.  They possess poison, which in some species is strong enough to kill people.

 

 

 

 

 

Urbana IL, 12-8-02, R. Sandretto

Urbana IL, 12-8-02, R. Sandretto