Millipedes are common arthropods found in various environments, often called “thousand-leggers.” Despite their appearance, which can cause them to be mistaken for insects, millipedes belong to a distinct class. A common misunderstanding is that they prey on other organisms, leading to confusion about their ecological role.
What Millipedes Eat
Millipedes are primarily detritivores, feeding on decaying organic matter. Their diet consists mainly of damp or rotting plant material, such as fallen leaves, decomposing wood, and dead plants. They utilize specialized mouthparts for chewing and grinding this vegetation. Millipedes also consume fungi and algae found on these decaying materials.
While their main food source is dead plant matter, millipedes are not considered predators. Instances of them consuming small insects or other arthropods are rare. When decaying organic matter is scarce, some millipede species may opportunistically feed on living plants, seedlings, or tender shoots. They also consume their cast-off skins after molting, a behavior that helps them regain lost calcium.
Millipedes and Centipedes
Millipedes are frequently confused with centipedes, yet these two arthropod groups have distinct characteristics and dietary habits. Millipedes have a rounded, cylindrical body, with two pairs of legs per segment positioned underneath their bodies. In contrast, centipedes possess a flatter body and one pair of legs per segment, extending outwards from the sides.
Their diets represent a primary difference: millipedes are detritivores, while centipedes are carnivores. Centipedes actively hunt small insects and other arthropods, utilizing venom to subdue their prey. Millipedes are slow-moving and, when threatened, curl into a tight coil and may release defensive secretions rather than biting. Centipedes are known for their swift and agile movements, whereas millipedes move at a slower, more deliberate pace.
Their Ecological Role
Millipedes perform an important function in terrestrial ecosystems due to their detritivorous diet. They contribute significantly to the decomposition of organic matter, such as leaf litter and decaying wood. By consuming and fragmenting these materials, millipedes break them down into smaller particles, making them more accessible for further breakdown by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.
This process facilitates nutrient cycling, returning essential elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus into the soil. Their feeding and excretion activities enrich the soil, enhancing its fertility and structure. Millipedes are natural recyclers that support soil health and contribute to the continuous flow of nutrients within their habitats.