A millipede is a arthropod that contains two pairs of legs on each body segment. They are known to be one of the oldest living terrestrial animals, with fossil records dating back 400 million years. The name “millipede” comes from the Latin word for “thousand feet”, although most millipedes have far fewer than 1,000 legs. Millipedes are found in a wide range of habitats across the globe, from rainforests to deserts.
Most millipedes are herbivores, feeding on decaying leaves and other organic matter. However, some species are predators and can be dangerous to small animals such as insects or vertebrates. Millipedes secrete a foul-smelling liquid from pores along their body which deters predators. If this fails to deter an attacker, some millipedes will curl into a tight spiral, protecting their vulnerable underside.
Millipedes reproduce by depositing eggs in the soil. Once hatched, juvenile millipedes go through a series of molts as they grow larger. Depending on the species, adult millipedes can live for up to 5 years in captivity. In the wild, their lifespan is likely shorter due to predation and other factors.