Millipede
Diplopoda
Quick answer
Millipedes are slow-moving arthropods in the class Diplopoda, with long, rounded bodies whose segments each carry two pairs of legs. Despite their name, none actually have a thousand legs, though some species come close. They are harmless detritivores that feed on decaying plant matter and help recycle nutrients in soil worldwide, and many species live several years.
Millipede facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Diplopoda (class) |
|---|---|
| Diet | Detritivore (decaying leaves and plant matter) |
| Habitat | Soil and leaf litter worldwide |
| Lifespan | 1–10 years (varies by species) |
| Length | From a few mm to about 30 cm (12 in) |
| Top speed | Very slow; plods through leaf litter |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN, most species) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Diplopoda |
Where it lives
Soil and leaf litter in damp habitats on every continent except Antarctica.
Body and legs
Millipedes have long, rounded, segmented bodies, and most segments carry two pairs of legs, which sets them apart from centipedes. This gives them dozens to hundreds of legs that move in graceful, rippling waves as they walk. Although the name means thousand legs, no species was known to truly exceed a thousand until a recently discovered Australian species finally surpassed it.
Diet and recycling
Millipedes are detritivores that feed mainly on decaying leaves, wood, and other rotting plant matter on the forest floor. By breaking down this material and returning nutrients to the soil, they play an important role as natural recyclers, much like earthworms. A few species also eat fungi or, rarely, living plant tissue.
Defense
Millipedes are slow and cannot bite or sting, so they rely on other defenses. When threatened, most curl into a tight spiral to protect their soft undersides and legs. Many species also release foul-smelling or irritating chemicals from special glands, and some produce compounds strong enough to deter or harm predators.
Habitat and life cycle
Millipedes live in soil, leaf litter, and rotting wood in damp habitats on every continent except Antarctica. They lay eggs in the soil, and the young hatch with few segments and legs, adding more each time they molt. Many species are long-lived for invertebrates, surviving several years in suitable conditions.
Frequently asked questions about the Millipede
Do millipedes have a thousand legs?
Almost never. Despite the name, most millipedes have a few hundred legs at most. Only one recently discovered Australian species has been found to truly exceed a thousand legs.
Are millipedes dangerous?
No. Millipedes cannot bite or sting and are harmless to people. Some release irritating chemicals as a defense, so it is best to wash your hands after handling them.
What do millipedes eat?
Millipedes are detritivores that eat decaying leaves, wood, and other rotting plant matter. By breaking this down, they recycle nutrients back into the soil.
What is the difference between a millipede and a centipede?
Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment, are slow, rounded, harmless plant eaters. Centipedes have one pair of legs per segment, are fast, flattened, and venomous predators.
Why do millipedes curl into a ball?
Curling into a tight spiral protects a millipede's soft underside and legs from predators. Many also release foul-smelling chemicals at the same time to make themselves unappealing.
How long do millipedes live?
Millipede lifespan varies by species, ranging from about a year to ten years. Larger tropical species tend to be the longest-lived.
