Millipedes
Diplopoda
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Myriapoda
- Class: Diplopoda
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Diplopoda: //ˈdɪpləˌpoʊdə//
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Images
Summary
Millipedes are a diverse class of arthropods characterized by their multiple jointed legs and unique body structure. They play essential roles in ecosystems as decomposers and are often studied in various scientific fields.
Physical Characteristics
Millipedes have elongated cylindrical or flattened bodies with more than 20 segments, characterized by having two pairs of jointed legs on most segments. They range from 2 mm to around 35 cm in length and have 25 to 375 leg pairs. The body is composed of numerous metameric segments each covered by a hardened exoskeleton. Some species can roll into a ball, resembling pillbugs.
Identification Tips
Look for the characteristic two pairs of legs per body segment (excluding the first three segments) and the typically cylindrical or flattened body shape. Adult males often have modified legs known as gonopods for reproduction. Pill millipedes can roll into a tight ball.
Habitat
Millipedes prefer moist terrestrial habitats, typically found under rocks, rotting logs, or organic debris. They inhabit forests, caves, and sometimes areas near the seashore.
Distribution
Millipedes are found worldwide, except in Antarctica, and are common throughout North America and many other regions.
Diet
Most millipedes are detritivores, feeding on decomposing vegetation and organic matter. Some may occasionally feed on fungi or living plant tissue, and a few species are carnivorous.
Life Cycle
Millipedes hatch with 3 pairs of legs and add segments and legs as they molt. They typically live between 1 to 10 years, with some species capable of reaching reproductive maturity after several molts.
Reproduction
Reproduction involves indirect transfer of sperm in Polyxenida, while in other groups, males use modified legs called gonopods to transfer sperm. Females can lay from ten to three hundred eggs, depending on species.
Predators
Predators of millipedes include various reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and insects, such as certain ants and beetles.
Ecosystem Role
Millipedes play a crucial role in the decomposition of plant litter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem and aiding in soil formation.
Economic Impact
Millipedes can be agricultural pests, notably in greenhouses or certain crops. They may also invade homes, creating nuisances, but are not considered significant threats to economic activities overall.
Cultural Significance
Millipedes are sometimes incorporated in folklore and traditional medicine; for example, some cultures use them for medicinal purposes or as indicators of rain. They have also inspired designs in robotics and research.
Health Concerns
While generally harmless, some millipede secretions can cause irritation or allergic reactions in humans. Eye exposure can cause irritation and potential injuries.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collection under logs and stones
- Pitfall traps
- Sweep nets in damp vegetation
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Drying
- Embedding in resin
Evolution
The class Diplopoda dates back to the Silurian period and includes some of the oldest known land animals. Their evolutionary history reflects adaptations for terrestrial life and subsequent diversification.
Misconceptions
Millipedes are often mistakenly thought to be harmful due to their chemical defenses; however, they are generally non-toxic and harmless to humans.
Tags
- arthropods
- myriapoda
- decomposition
- biodiversity
- ecosystem health