Myriapods

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Myriapoda: /ˌmɪriəˈpoʊdə/

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Summary

Myriapoda is a subphylum of arthropods that includes centipedes and millipedes, characterized by numerous body segments and a variety of ecological roles. This group represents a critical component of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in nutrient cycling and organic matter breakdown.

Physical Characteristics

Myriapods have numerous body segments, not differentiated into thorax and abdomen. They possess a single pair of antennae and simple eyes in most cases, except for specific eyeless classes like symphylans and pauropods. Millipedes have fused body segments that appear to have two pairs of legs, whereas centipedes have segments with one pair of legs each, with the first pair modified into venomous fangs.

Identification Tips

To identify myriapods, look for their numerous body segments and the number of legs associated with each segment. Millipedes typically have two pairs of legs per segment due to fused segments, while centipedes have one pair of legs per segment, with the first pair being large fangs. Examining antennae length and the presence of eyes can also help in identification.

Habitat

Predominantly terrestrial, myriapods are most abundant in moist forests, but can also inhabit grasslands, semi-arid regions, and deserts. Some species are found along seashores.

Distribution

Myriapods have a worldwide distribution, with a presence on all continents except Antarctica, and include approximately 13,000 known species.

Diet

Most myriapods are detritivorous, feeding on decaying plant material. However, centipedes are nocturnal predators, hunting other small animals.

Life Cycle

Myriapods lay eggs that hatch into short-bodied, juvenile forms. The young undergo a process of adding segments through moulting, known as anamorphosis.

Reproduction

During reproduction, male myriapods produce a spermatophore that must be transferred to the female externally. After fertilization, females lay eggs that will hatch into juvenile myriapods.

Predators

Myriapods, particularly centipedes, have natural predators that may include larger invertebrates and vertebrates, although specific predator-prey relationships are less frequently documented.

Ecosystem Role

Myriapods play a critical role in soil health by breaking down organic matter, improving nutrient cycling, and contributing to the overall decomposition process.

Health Concerns

While myriapods are generally harmless, large centipedes can bite, causing significant pain, and some millipedes release toxic substances that can irritate skin but do not pose a severe threat to human health.

Collecting Methods

• Hand collecting
• Pitfall traps
• Leaf litter sampling

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol
• Dry storage
• Freezing

Evolution

Myriapods are believed to have diversified during the Cambrian Period, with evidence of their existence dating back to the Late Silurian and Early Devonian periods. They share a close evolutionary relationship with other arthropods, but their exact phylogenetic position is still debated.

Similar Taxa

• Arthropoda
• Hexapoda
• Pancrustacea
• Chelicerata

Misconceptions

A common misconception is that millipedes have 'thousands' of legs; however, they typically have between 36 and 400 legs, with the highest recorded being 1,306 in the species Eumillipes persephone.

Tags

• Myriapoda
• millipedes
• centipedes
• arthropods
• terrestrial fauna