Centipedes are arthropods found in various environments. Their distinctive appearance often sparks curiosity. Understanding their physical attributes helps distinguish them from other similar-looking invertebrates. This article describes what a centipede looks like.
Defining Physical Characteristics
A centipede’s body is elongated and typically flattened, composed of numerous segments. Each of these segments, except for the first and last two, bears a single pair of legs. Leg pairs vary from 15 to 191, always totaling an odd number. Centipede legs are jointed and often extend outwards from the sides of their body.
The head of a centipede is distinct, often flattened or rounded, and equipped with a pair of long, segmented antennae that serve as primary sensory organs for navigation and seeking prey. Located just behind the head, the first pair of legs is modified into pincer-like appendages called forcipules. These forcipules are visually defining features, even though their function involves injecting venom for subduing prey.
Centipedes display a range of colors, commonly appearing in shades of brown, reddish-brown, or yellow, and sometimes black. Some species may exhibit stripes or other patterns on their bodies. Their size also varies greatly among species, from very small, only a few millimeters long, to larger species that can reach several inches in length, with some tropical centipedes growing up to 12 inches.
Centipedes Versus Millipedes
Centipedes are often confused with millipedes due to their segmented, multi-legged appearance, but several visual distinctions set them apart. A primary difference lies in their body shape; centipedes possess a flattened body, while millipedes typically have a more rounded or cylindrical body. This difference in body cross-section is a key visual cue.
Another distinguishing feature is the number of legs per body segment. Centipedes have one pair of legs per segment, with their legs extending noticeably from the sides of their body. In contrast, millipedes have two pairs of legs on most of their body segments, and these legs are usually positioned directly underneath their bodies, making them less visible from the side.
The antennae of these two arthropods also differ. Centipedes typically have longer, more prominent, and thread-like antennae. Millipedes, on the other hand, generally have shorter antennae. Their movement patterns offer another visual contrast: centipedes are known for their fast, scuttling movements, enabling them to dart quickly across surfaces. Millipedes, with their legs positioned underneath their bodies, move much more slowly and often exhibit a wave-like motion as they crawl.