Chilopoda

Definition

A class of predatory, venomous myriapod arthropods commonly known as centipedes. Chilopoda are characterized by an elongated, segmented body with exactly one pair of legs per trunk segment (contrasting with two pairs in Diplopoda), paired forcipules (modified venom-injecting legs on the first trunk segment), and an odd number of leg pairs ranging from 15 to 191. The class comprises approximately 3,000 described species in five extant orders: Scutigeromorpha, Lithobiomorpha, Craterostigmomorpha, Scolopendromorpha, and Geophilomorpha.

Etymology

From New Latin, from Greek kheilos (lip) + pous (foot), referring to the lip-like forcipules

Example

The house centipede Scutigera coleoptrata (order Scutigeromorpha) is a common synanthropic species that preys on household arthropods including silverfish, cockroaches, and spiders.

Synonyms

• Centipedes

Related Terms

• Myriapoda
• Diplopoda
• forcipule
• toxicognath
• metamerism
• Anamorpha
• Epimorpha
• Scolopendromorpha
• Geophilomorpha

Usage Notes

Chilopoda is the formal taxonomic class name; 'centipede' is the vernacular equivalent used in general and field contexts. The name 'centipede' (hundred feet) is etymologically misleading—no species has exactly 100 legs, and leg number varies by order and developmental stage. Chilopoda are distinguished from Diplopoda (millipedes) by leg number per segment, predatory habit, venom apparatus, and generally faster, more flattened body form. Forcipules are often called 'fangs' in popular accounts but are morphologically modified legs, not true mouthparts. The class is sometimes grouped with Diplopoda in the subphylum Myriapoda, though myriapod monophyly remains debated.