Centipedes and millipedes are myriapods, or creatures with many legs, commonly found in dark, moist environments. They represent two fundamentally different ecological roles: the centipede is a swift hunter, and the millipede is a slow-moving recycler. Understanding their distinct characteristics is key to appreciating the complex predator-prey relationship that exists between them.
Centipedes vs. Millipedes: Defining the Differences
Centipedes and millipedes belong to the subphylum Myriapoda, but they are separated into different classes, Chilopoda and Diplopoda, respectively. The most telling physical distinction lies in their leg arrangement and body shape. Centipedes are characterized by a flattened body and possess only one pair of legs per body segment, which contributes to their speed and agility. Millipedes, conversely, have a more rounded, cylindrical body and typically feature two pairs of legs on most body segments, a condition known as diplosegmentation.
These anatomical differences dictate their lifestyles. Centipedes are active, venomous predators that use speed and sensory antennae to hunt other arthropods. Millipedes are primarily detritivores, meaning they are slow-moving decomposers that feed on decaying organic matter like leaf litter and rotting wood.
The Direct Answer: Predation Dynamics
Yes, centipedes do eat millipedes, and this interaction is a common feature of their shared ecosystems. The centipede’s predatory nature is well-suited to overcoming a millipede’s slow speed and reliance on passive defense. When a centipede attacks, it uses its modified first pair of legs, called forcipules, which are pincer-like appendages located just behind the head.
The forcipules are designed to inject venom into the prey, quickly paralyzing or killing it. Centipede venom is a complex cocktail of compounds that disrupt the victim’s physiological systems. This potent venom allows the centipede to subdue prey, including the millipede, which may be protected by a hard exoskeleton. Once immobilized, the centipede consumes the soft tissues.
Millipede Defense Mechanisms
While millipedes are not fast, they are not entirely defenseless against predatory attacks. Their first line of defense is their robust, cylindrical exoskeleton, which offers significant physical protection. When threatened, many millipede species immediately curl their body into a tight spiral or ball, protecting their softer underside and legs from the attacker.
This coiling behavior is often coupled with a chemical defense mechanism. Millipedes possess specialized glands, called ozopores, along the sides of their body segments. These glands release a noxious or toxic secretion when the millipede is disturbed, which serves to deter predators. The compounds in these secretions can include irritants like quinones, phenols, or, in some species, even cyanogenic compounds that release hydrogen cyanide gas.
The Centipede’s Broader Diet
The predation of millipedes is just one part of the centipede’s role as a generalist predator. Centipedes are opportunistic hunters, consuming nearly any arthropod they can subdue. Their diet includes invertebrates such as spiders, slugs, earthworms, and insects like cockroaches and termites.
Larger centipede species, such as those in the genus Scolopendra, can even prey on small vertebrates, including mice, lizards, frogs, and occasionally birds. This diverse menu highlights that while millipedes are a food source, they are not the centipede’s exclusive target. Millipedes’ chemical defenses make them a less desirable or more challenging meal compared to other, less protected prey items.