VNThe following article is 5 Interesting facts about millipedes.
1/ Interesting facts about millipedes – What is millipede?
A millipede is a type of arthropod belonging to the class Diplopoda and the subclass Chilognatha. They have two pairs of legs on each body segment. Most millipede species have a rounded body shape, although some species have a flattened body along the ventral and dorsal surfaces. Some millipede belong to the superorder Oniscomorpha and have very short bodies. When they roll up, they resemble a ball, similar to some woodlice species.
2/ Interesting facts about millipedes – What do millipede eat?
So what do millipede eat to survive? Typically, millipede feed on decaying plant matter, plant debris, organic matter, and even plant roots. While feeding, they secrete fluids to soften the food and then use their mouthparts to consume it. Sometimes, it has been observed that millipede can cause damage by feeding on the bark of young plants or consuming the stems of young plants, hindering their growth.
Read more: 3 new methods to control millipede in your garden
3/ The differences between a millipede and a centipede (millipede vs centipede):
Some centipede species can be much longer than millipedes, and vice versa. Centipedes have a flatter appearance and can resemble small snakes with legs, rather than harmless worm-like creatures like millipedes.
Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, compared to the two pairs per body segment that millipedes have. The legs of centipedes are also longer, as are their antennae.
Unlike millipedes, centipedes can bite humans when they feel threatened. It is said to feel like being stung by an insect. The symptoms can last for several days or longer in more severe cases.
4/ Interesting facts about millipedes – How many legs does a millipede have?
The length of a millipede can vary greatly, ranging from 2 to 280 millimeters (0.079 to 11.024 inches), and it can have anywhere from 11 to over 100 body segments. Generally, they have a brown or black color, although some species exhibit vibrant colors.
The most notable characteristic of millipedes is their incredibly large number of legs. In fact, millipedes are the group of animals with the most legs in the world, with the species Illacme plenipes holding the record with 750 legs. The large number of legs allows millipedes to move slowly but with strong burrowing ability. With their legs and body moving in a wave-like motion, millipedes can easily burrow deep into the ground. They also have a good “construction” ability, as they reinforce their burrows with readily available materials in the surroundings. The segmented body of millipedes enables them to move in a wave-like manner, both forward and backward.
5/ How to eliminate millipedes in the house?
Millipedes thrive in moist environments and cannot survive for long in dry conditions. In dry areas, they will not survive beyond 24 hours and will not reproduce. Therefore, the simplest way to eliminate millipedes inside the house and prevent them from crawling in is to ensure that the interior is always clean and as dry as possible, avoiding the presence of damp areas.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Use air conditioning to improve ventilation inside the house. After cleaning the house, use a fan to quickly dry the floors or use a dehumidifier.
- Avoid water from rain flowing into the house.
- Do not allow water drainage channels to be near the house’s foundation, as this will create a damp environment. Create drainage channels away from the house to ensure quick water runoff.
- Make sure there are no leaking or dripping water faucets around the house.
- Seal any gaps or openings on the walls to prevent rainwater from entering the house.
- The most hygienic and safe way to eliminate millipedes inside the house is to sweep and remove them when they are spotted.
By following these steps, you can maintain cleanliness and prevent millipedes from infesting your home.
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These are some interesting facts about millipedes. Hopefully, this information will be useful to you.
