How do millipedes reproduce?
Reproduction in most species is carried out by modified male legs called gonopods, which transfer packets of sperm to females. First appearing in the Silurian period, millipedes are some of the oldest known land animals.
What are some differences between Diplopoda and chilopoda?
Chilopoda includes centipedes, while Diplopoda includes millipedes. Chilopods have one pair of appendages on each segment, whereas Diplopods have two pair of appendages on each segment. Antennae of chilopods are long, whereas that of Diplopods are short.
What is feeding of Diplopoda?
Millipedes (Diplopoda) (Fig. 4.42) are a group of widely distributed saprophages. They are major consumers of organic debris in temperate and tropical hardwood forests, where they feed on dead vegetable matter. Millipedes are also inhabitants of arid and semiarid regions, despite their dependence on moisture.
What is the meaning of Diplopoda?
millipedes
Definition of Diplopoda : a class of arthropods comprising the millipedes.
How many babies do millipedes have?
After mating, most female millipede species lay 20 to 30 eggs, while some give birth to live young. Female millipedes burrow in warm soil where they can lay their eggs and cover them with a protective capsule usually out of their own feces.
How fast do millipedes reproduce?
When the time comes to reproduce, a male giant African millipede will wind around a female millipede. A few weeks later, the female will lay hundreds of eggs in a hole in the ground. After about three months, those eggs will hatch, producing a large group of baby millipedes!
What are three differences between centipedes and millipedes?
Centipedes have one set of legs per segment positioned on the side of their body. Centipedes mostly eat insects after killing them with their venom. Millipedes feast on decomposing plants. If looking from the side, centipedes have a flatter body while millipedes are more rounded.
What is the habitat of Diplopoda?
Habitat. Millipedes are generally found in dark damp places, often under leaf litter, wood piles, and rocks, or in the top inch or two of soil.
What are the characteristics of chilopoda?
Normal adult length: 3-6 cm (30 cm)