Centipede vs millipede is that Centipedes have a flatter body when seen from the side, while millipedes have a more rounded shape. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment, both of which are positioned right underneath their bodies. Centipedes have one pair of legs per segment, which are positioned on the body’s side.
Centipedes devour insects after their poison has killed them. Decomposing plants is a favorite food of millipedes.
Centipedes vs millipedes differences:
Something that whizzed past in a second, yet you caught a few distinguishing features. It had a long, segmented, wriggling body with numerous legs. You’ve probably seen one before. Do you think that was a centipede or a millipede?
A few distinguishing qualities aid in determining which of our many-legged companions is which.
Centipedes and millipedes both have segments that connect to create a single, lengthy body. With this body type in common, it may be difficult to tell the two apart at first look.
Here are some pointers to help you recognize the differences:
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Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment, both of which are positioned right underneath their bodies.
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Centipedes have one pair of legs per segment, which are positioned on the body’s side.
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Centipedes devour insects after their poison has killed them. Decomposing plants is a favorite food of millipedes.
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Centipedes have a flatter body when seen from the side, while millipedes have a more rounded shape.
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They respond to hazards in a diversity of strategies. A millipede will coil up and secrete a foul-smelling substance. Centipedes can bite (which is usually harmless to humans) and flee swiftly.
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It’s all in the “family,” as they say.
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In the animal realm, these two share enough in common to be considered “cousins.”
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Because of their similar segmented anatomy, scientists have classed them together.
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Both have weak or no eyesight and must depend on other senses, such as the sensation of vibrations.
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They like to reside in the dark, which is why you may have seen them in a dark area of your basement.
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Each species’ longest species is around six inches long.
Summary: 
Centipedes have a flatter body when seen from the side, while millipedes have a more rounded shape. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment, both of which are positioned right underneath their bodies. Centipedes have one pair of legs per segment, which are positioned on the body’s side. Centipedes devour insects after their poison has killed them. Decomposing plants is a favorite food of millipedes.
Centipedes vs millipedes legs and species:
Centipedes and millipedes are two types of arthropods with lengthy bodies and many legs. But that’s about the extent of their resemblance.
“But wait!” you may be thinking. You’ll be astonished to find that just one of these long-legged critter is poisonous.
A fun fact about Millipedes vs centipedes legs is that “Milli” is a Latin prefix for 1,000, while “centi” is a Latin prefix for one hundred. But don’t think that’s how many legs each creature has on its complete body!
Millipedes may have up to 750 legs in certain species. Centipedes have as many as 350 legs.
For some people, they may not be the most pleasant animals. There is, however, plenty to see, and you will find them to be rather intriguing!
In the Section of Invertebrate Zoology at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Curatorial Assistant Catherine Giles and Collection Assistant Vanessa Verdecia research this and other species. Scientists like them throughout the globe might benefit from your assistance!
Even though centipedes and millipedes are quite abundant and found all over the world, there is little scientific research on them. When it appears to centipedes and millipedes, Catherine instructs community not to keep answer “No!” Rather, we should be enthralled.
Studies using living specimens in the field ecology as well as in laboratories or offices identifying specimens are required (taxonomy).
There are around 3,000 species of centipedes recognized, with an estimated 8,000 species. Millipedes are thought to number in the tens of thousands, with an estimated 80,000 species.
Millipedes favor damp woodland habitats, while centipedes prefer arid ones. Attempt to locate instances of both species. Examine it more closely.
Do you see the distinctions I’ve mentioned? What about the parallels? Would you rather be on the scene or in the lab if you were studying these centipedes and millipedes? There is no mighty element as an inaccurate reaction if you don’t explain, “Nope!”
Summary:
There are around 3,000 species of centipedes recognized, with an estimated 8,000 species. Millipedes are thought to number in the tens of thousands, with an estimated 80,000 species. Millipedes may have up to 750 legs in certain species. Centipedes have as many as 350 legs.
What’s Centipede?
Centipedes are arthropods and like to live in soil and green area that belong to the Chilopoda family. A centipede and a millipede vary in that a centipede has just one pair of legs (or two legs altogether) per body segment.
Many people assume that all centipedes have 100 legs since the word centi- implies 100. They can have anything from 30 to 354 legs.
No centipede as respect to millipede has an even number of leg sets, which is interesting. That indicates there aren’t any centipedes with 100 legs in nature.
Centipedes may range in size from one to twelve inches in length, depending on the species. Long antennae are seen on all centipedes.
Centipedes are carnivorous predators, which means they have huge jaws to kill or paralyze their prey.
Centipedes in the home: You’ll be glad to learn that centipedes in the house aren’t dangerous. They are useful around the home since they consume spiders and insects. They’re not exactly easy on the eyes, and their long legs are the easiest way to spot them.
Summary:
Centipedes are arthropods that belong to the Chilopoda family. A centipede and a millipede vary in that a centipede has just one pair of legs (or two legs altogether) per body segment. It’s normally assumed that all centipedes have 100 legs since the word centi- implies 100. They can have anything from 30 to 354 legs.
What are Millipedes?
Millipedes are members of the Diplopoda class of arthropods. They are distinguished by the presence of two pairs of legs (for a total of four legs) per body segment.
Remember that each centipede body segment has just one pair of legs. The difference of legs between a centipede and a millipede may be seen here.
Millipedes also lack strong poisonous jaws and have shorter antennae. Millipedes, unlike centipedes, are scavengers that prefer to eat decaying organic waste such as leaves and compost.
you were taught that millipedes had a thousand legs. It’s reasonable to believe so, given that the prefix milli- denotes a thousand. Millipedes, on the other hand, have varying numbers of legs.
The millipede Illacme pipes, for example, presently holds the record for having the most legs. Surprisingly, it only possesses 750, leaving it 250 limbs short of a thousand.
Cave millipedes like chilly, damp environments. Few locations better suit that description than a cave. These millipedes may be found in caverns all around the United States.
Millipedes that live in caves vary greatly from cave to cave. In addition, most have acclimated to their surroundings and are blind and pallid as ghosts.
Summary:
Millipedes are members of the Diplopoda class of arthropods. They are distinguished by the presence of two pairs of legs (for a total of four legs) per body segment. Each centipede body segment has just one pair of legs. The millipede Illacme pipes, for example, presently holds the record for having the most legs. Surprisingly, it only possesses 750, leaving it 250 limbs short of a thousand.
Centipede vs millipedes poisonous:
Many centipedes are poisonous, although not all of them are. The centipede’s unique front limbs, or maxillipeds, contain venom glands that aid in hunting.
They utilize their muscular front legs to grab their prey and then inject it with venom to kill it.
Centipedes do have the ability to bite humans. Similar to a bee sting, these bites may trigger an allergic response. However, the bigger the centipede, the more excruciating the bite. Small children and persons allergic to other insects may have more severe responses.
Millipedes are sometimes mistaken for centipedes due to their dashing appearance and many legs. Unfortunately, this has tarnished the poor millipede’s image. Millipedes do not have venom.
As a protective measure, a millipede will not bite or sting you. It’s much more likely to coil up into a little ball.
However, this does not imply that you should pick up millipedes with your bare hands. When a millipede believes it is being assaulted, it releases a foul-smelling substance from its defense glands.
The eyes and skin may be irritated by this liquid. It may also leave a stain on your skin and cause it to stink. A millipede’s protective spray may also cause allergic reactions in certain individuals.
Is it true that a millipede is poisonous? No. However, it’s generally better to leave them alone. If you must handle millipedes, wash your hands well afterward.
Summary:
Centipedes do have the ability to bite humans. Similar to a bee sting, these bites may trigger an allergic response. However, the bigger the centipede, the more excruciating the bite. Small children and persons allergic to other insects may have more severe responses. Generally, millipedes are not poisonous but, it’s generally better to leave them alone. If you must handle millipedes, wash your hands well afterward.
How to keep Centipedes and Millipedes at Bay?
If you have a lot of centipedes or millipedes in your house like [carpet worms] (https://howtodiscuss.com/t/carpet-worms/87976), the first thing you should do is figure out where they live. You may have a moisture issue since you both reside in damp places.
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Remove any organic material, such as mulch, ground cover, and wood chips, that is within a few feet of your property.
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Keep firewood away from your house since it might serve as a breeding ground for insects.
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Make certain that all windows and doors are properly sealed. You might use an insecticidal soap around the base of your house.
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Sweep or vacuum up any millipedes or centipedes you find in the home.
Even though they aren’t deemed hazardous to humans, we are nonetheless wary of their presence. Millipedes and centipedes may be avoided by doing the following:
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Fixing any leaks and eliminating any standing water from your property. Remove any organic debris or moisture-holding ground cover that is near your home’s foundation. Moisture is essential for both of these species’ existence.
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Removing or eliminating anything that offers hiding places for millipedes and centipedes outside the house is the first and most critical step in millipede and centipede management.
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Trash piles, rocks, boards, leaf piles, compost piles , and other similar materials should be removed from the immediate vicinity of the house.
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Second, when feasible, physically keep millipedes and centipedes out of the house.
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Make sure doors and windows are securely fastened, and caulk any holes or crevices that allow them to enter the house.
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Cracks in the foundation and any gaps above the foundation should be thoroughly filled.
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Applying insecticide around the building base and doors and windows will give temporary control if millipedes or centipedes are present in large numbers or are causing difficulties.
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For the most up-to-date insecticide and pesticide recommendations, see the Georgia Pest Management Handbook.
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Pesticides may also be used to kill millipedes in mulched flower beds and densely thatched grass areas.
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During seasons when millipedes are discovered in significant numbers inside the house, include these places in a treatment program.
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During times of significant millipede migration, several treatments may be required to maintain control. However, blooming plants and the pollinators that they attract should be avoided at all costs.
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Treat cracks and crevices along baseboards and other locations where centipedes and millipedes may hide using treatments certified for in-home usage.
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When millipedes and centipedes are discovered inside the house, contact sprays may be used to quickly control them.
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For safe and effective pesticide usage, especially in the home, carefully follow all pesticide label directions.
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The majority of public health risks associated with millipedes and centipedes may be avoided simply by avoiding touching these fascinating critters.
Summary:
Clean the building, removes moisture, and patched h all the holes in the walls and floor. Keep firewood out of the path of the home and off the ground. Before taking it inside your house, inspect it for bugs. To assist prevent simple entrance into your house, seal any doors or windows that are low to the ground. Contact your local pest control firm if you have a problem with millipedes or centipedes. They can help you determine which of these pests you have, as well as how they got into your house and the best way to get rid of them and prevent them from returning.
Millipedes vs centipedes differences:
Millipedes and centipedes are quite similar, but if you know what to look for, you can easily tell them apart. Like these two creatures, their names are similar yet have minor distinctions. Human centipede relation is not good.
When you start looking at these arthropods more closely, you’ll see how distinct they are. They both belong to the Myriapoda subphylum.
Centipedes belong to the Chilopoda class, whereas millipedes belong to the Diplopoda class.
Slight distinctions may be seen in their habitats, behaviors, and body characteristics. Both creatures, which are known for their huge number of legs, come in a range of kinds and can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
According to some estimates, there are up to 80,000 millipede species, although only around 12,000 have been found. Only 3,000 centipede species have been found, with an estimated 8,000 species.
Let’s examine the distinctions between millipedes and centipedes. There are many distinctions between them, but you may be surprised by what they have in common.
Both millipedes and centipedes are about 400 million years old and have evolved into one of the most adaptable terrestrial invertebrates.
| Distinctions | Millipede | Centipede |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 0.12 inch to 15 inches | 0.4 inches to 12 inches |
| Habitat | Soil that is wet and contains d-e-a-d and rotting materials. It prefers wet, dark environments. | Terrestrial environments in the desert, on the topical, and along the coast. During the day, favors damp dark locations and is nocturnal. |
| Location | Except for Antarctica, every continent has been visited. | Except for Antarctica, every continent has been visited. |
| Body Type | The body is long and spherical, having four legs in each section. | A long, flat body composed of segments, each with two legs. |
| Color | The most prevalent hues are gray and black, although millipedes may also be red, yellow, orange, and other vivid colors. | The most prevalent hues are yellow, brown, black, and orange. Some are colorful and have body components of various colors. |
| Poisonous | No | Yes |
| Diet | Herbivores, also known as detritivores, eat decaying plant matter and organic matter. | Carnivores: mostly hunts arthropods, although larger species may eat a wide range of food including birds, mice, insects, and reptiles. |
| Total life | 1 to 10 years in a life span | 3–6 years old |
| Reproduction | Oviparous | Oviparous |
Habitat and the Life Cycle of millipedes vs centipedes:
Millipedes and centipedes may be found on every continent. Both species are found in moist environments and dwell outside. They like to reside in dark, wet environments such as beneath logs, leaves, and other debris. Millipedes live in the soil for most of their lives.
Deserts, forest floors, and even gardens are all home to millipedes and centipedes. Both of these creatures can get inside your house and reside in locations like the bathroom or the laundry room. Millipedes will die quickly in our homes, but centipedes may be able to survive.
Millipedes and centipedes both reproduce by laying eggs. Most millipede species mate by transferring sperm into females through modified legs. Centipedes mate by building a web into which males deposit their sperm.
The ladies will then discover it and have the male aim their antennae to fertilize them. Millipedes may breed in the identical way as centipedes do. The amount of eggs laid by a centipede fluctuates between 35 and 150. Millipedes may lay up to 300 eggs at a bit.
Most millipedes are foragers that eat rotting vegetation and leaf litter, while certain species a-s-s-a-u-l-t live plant roots. Millipedes consume a large portion of their time on earth under the soil, and they also spend the winter there.
Millipedes lay somewhere in the range of 20 and 300 eggs in the ground each season of spring. The eggs will incubate for a few weeks. Just the underlying three sets of legs and no extra than seven fragments are existing in youthful millipedes.
They grow new segments and legs with each other molt until they enter sexual maturity, which takes 2 -5 years relying on the species. Millipedes move in enormous numbers from time to time, particularly after enormous downpours in the pre-fall or when the weather conditions cool.
Centipedes can be tracked down in an assortment of conditions, yet they favor dim, damp, safeguarded environment like under stones, spoiled logs, leaves, and bark.
In the spring and summer, they lay eggs in the soil after overwintering as adults. Some species go through as many as ten instars or molts, throughout their development. Only a few animals have live offspring.
TCentipedes have a relatively long lifespan, with some species living up to six years. Scutigera coleoptrata, the house centipede, is the main species able to do breeding in dwellings and is often seen in and near wet areas.
Exorbitant dampness will give natural surroundings to an expansive assortment of family bothers and is reminiscent of a primary or useful issue in a home, which should not be disregarded.
The house centipede is generally dynamic around evening time when it moves about looking for c -o-c-k-r-o-a-c-h-e-s and other different bugs to eat. Even though centipedes seldom bite in centipede sod, are rarely hazardous, and are useful since they eat different bugs, the vast majority dislike having them in their houses.
Summary:
Millipedes spend most of their life under the soil, and they also spend the winter there. Millipedes lay between 20 and 300 eggs in the soil each spring. The eggs will incubate for limited weeks. Only the first three pairs of legs and no more than seven segments are present in young millipedes. Centipedes can be found in a variety of environments, but they prefer dark, moist, protected environments like under stones, rotted logs, leaves, and bark. In the spring and summer, they lay eggs in the soil after overwintering as adults.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some questions that are asked frequently about millipedes and centipedes and they are as follows.
Q.1 What are Giant African millipedes?
There’s a reason these millipedes are nicknamed “giant.” They may grow to be over 15 inches long and over three inches in diameter. The enormous African millipede, despite its size, is occasionally maintained as a pet and has only approximately 256 legs.
Q.2 What are Startling pink dragon millipedes?
Millipedes come in a variety of colors and patterns, and the shocking pink dragon millipede is one of them. It utilizes its spines and vivid colors to warn predators as compared to centipedes that it produces poison and should not be eaten. Surprisingly, this toxin gives it an almond-like odor.
Q.3 What are Amazonian gigantic centipedes?
These centipedes are among the biggest you’ll see, but they’ll only be found in South America if you’re lucky. Amazonian gigantic centipedes may reach lengths of over one foot and are very violent.
Q.4 What are Texas redheaded centipedes?
This species may grow up to 8 inches long and is called because of its vivid redhead. Texas, as well as other southern states, are home to the Texas redheaded centipede. It’s also found in portions of Mexico. The centipede’s distinctive colors, which are a redhead, brilliant yellow legs, and a black body, warn predators to keep away.
Q.5 What’s millipedes vs centipedes?
Centipedes are poisonous insects, birds, and reptiles that they hunt. The distinctions between millipedes and centipedes are significant. Centipedes are carnivores who hunt other creatures, whereas millipedes are herbivores that consume rotting plants.
Centipedes have two legs for each segment of the body, whereas millipedes have four. Centipedes also have longer legs than other insects. Millipedes are herbivores and are not poisonous, while centipedes use venom to aid in hunting. Millipedes, on the other hand, will secrete poison as a defense strategy.
Q.6 How are Millipedes vs Centipedes in body structure?
The bodies of millipedes and centipedes are both segmented. Centipedes have two legs in each segment, whereas millipedes have four.
Millipedes have shorter legs that are tucked beneath their bodies. Their heads are round, and their antennae are short.
Centipedes have longer legs that protrude from their bodies to the side. Their heads are huge, and their antennas are lengthy.
Centipedes have a series of antennae on their backs that aid in their vision. Although millipedes have greater vision than other insects, some species are blind.
The centipede has pincers near its antenna that help it attack predators. The longest millipede may reach 15 inches in length, whereas the largest centipede is around 12 inches long.
Q.7 What is the Difference of colors in centipede vs millipede?
Depending on the species, centipede and millipede colors will differ. Millipedes are usually dark gray or black in hue. They’re generally a single hue. Apheloria polychrome, for example, is a colorful millipede. Larger, brighter-colored species are riskier to handle and toxic.
Although centipedes come in a variety of colors, orange is a hue that is present in the majority of species. Centipedes in the soil are all the same hue, being orange.
The red-headed centipede, for example, has a black body, and red, and yellow legs. Centipedes, such as the Indian big tiger centipede, which has alternating black and yellow body segments, exhibit more color patterns than millipedes.
Q.8 How centipedes vs millipedes are poisonous?
Millipedes are not poisonous, but centipedes are. The venom strength of a centipede varies based on its size, with bigger species having a stronger bite. The bite of most centipede species is comparable to that of a bee.
In the centipede family, the Amazonian giant centipede and other gigantic centipede species have the strongest bite. Their venom is used to protect themselves and to kill smaller prey.
Millipedes are not poisonous and do not bite. They have various protective characteristics that centipedes don’t have. Millipedes have tiny heads and lips that are exclusively suited to ingest rotting plant matter.
Q.9 What are centipede vs millipede?
Centipedes have a flatter body when seen from the side, while millipedes have a more rounded shape. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment, both of which are positioned right underneath their bodies.
Centipedes as compared to millipede have one pair of legs per segment, which are positioned on the body’s side. Centipedes devour insects after their poison has killed them. Decomposing plants is a favorite food of millipedes.
Q.10 How many species does centipede vs millipedes have?
Slight distinctions may be seen in their habitats, behaviors, and body characteristics. Both creatures, which are known for their huge number of legs, come in a range of kinds and can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
According to some estimates, there are up to 80,000 millipede species, although only around 12,000 have been found. Only 3,000 centipede species have been found, with an estimated 8,000 species.
Conclusion: 
The bodies of millipedes and centipedes are both segmented. Centipedes have two legs in each segment, whereas millipedes have four. Millipedes have shorter legs that are tucked beneath their bodies. Their heads are round, and their antennae are short. Millipedes may have up to 750 legs in certain species. Centipedes have as many as 350 legs. According to some estimates, there are up to 80,000 millipede species, although only around 12,000 have been found. Only 3,000 centipede species have been found, with an estimated 8,000 species.