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    Chilopoda – Centipedes

    Their venom, speed, and meat-eating habits make them efficient hunters

    Centipedes, characterized by their long, flattened bodies, are segmented into numerous sections, each housing a pair of legs. The number of legs varies among species, but it is always an odd number, with each segment possessing one pair. Positioned on the front segment, centipedes boast venomous fangs that they use to inject venom into their prey. This venom immobilizes insects and other small invertebrates, facilitating the feeding process.

    Centipedes are exclusively carnivorous, preying on a variety of small animals such as insects, spiders, and earthworms. Their predatory nature makes them valuable controllers of insect populations in ecosystems. Many centipede species are nocturnal, preferring to hunt under the cover of darkness. Their keen senses, including well-developed antennae, help them navigate and locate prey in low-light conditions.

    Did you know…?

    • Its name suggests it has exactly 100 legs, but it can possess anywhere between 15 to 177 pairs of legs.
    • Despite their reputation, many centipedes exhibit excellent maternal behavior, such as female soil centipedes and tropical centipedes, who carefully guard and nurture their eggs until they hatch.
    • The venom of centipedes is composed of toxins that can result in intense pain and other notable side effects like anaphylaxis, cardiac ischemia, and neurotoxicity.