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.