Centipedes aren't the most beloved creatures, but they're pretty fascinating

March 26, 2020

Centipedes aren't the most beloved creatures, but they're pretty fascinating. This is a bark centipede of the genus Scolopocryptops. So what's the difference between a centipede and a millipede? Centipedes and millipedes both belong to the subphylum Myriapoda, and they're both long and skinny and have a bunch of legs, but beyond that, the differences are night and day. Centipedes are fast-moving carnivores; millipedes are slow-moving detritivores (they eat dead organic material, mostly plant-based). Centipedes can inflict a painful, venomous bite; millipedes defend themselves by curling into a tight ball, and some species release a foul-smelling liquid. I found this particular centipede hiding underneath a rock out in the woods. Since centipedes are generally nocturnal, it was probably waiting for night to fall so it could go hunting. If you look closely, you can see this centipede's pincers right underneath its head. The pincers that a centipede uses to puncture its prey and inject venom are actually modified forelegs! Millipedes have a special set of modified legs as well, which we'll be discussing tomorrow. A big thank-you to myriapod expert Dr. Jackson Means for identifying this fellow for me! #BenInNature

WARNING: A terrible joke about centipedes follows.

A man walks into a pet shop and sees a sign: "Talking centipede, $5." He can't pass up an opportunity like that, so he buys the centipede and brings it home. That night, he goes over to the centipede's tank and says, "Hey centipede, I'm heading out to the bar, want to join me?" The centipede doesn't say anything, and the guy figures he's been had. The next night, the guy goes over to the centipede's tank and says, "Hey centipede, I'm heading out to the bar, want to join me?" Again, the centipede doesn't say a word, so the guy leaves. The third night, the guy goes over to the centipede's tank and says, "Hey centipede, I'm heading out to the bar, want to join me?" Suddenly, a furious voice replies: "I heard you the first time, I'm putting on my shoes!"

About this post: Social distancing can be difficult, but the next few weeks present a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. While he is working from home, Administrator of Science Ben Williams is venturing outdoors each day to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world.

This post brought to you by VMNH Corporate Partner Bassett Furniture.