There’s nothing quite like the feeling of waking up in the middle of the night, thinking you hear something scurrying around in your room. You flip on the light to find a creepy-crawly making its way across your floor!
But is it a centipede or millipede?
And does it even matter?
As someone who has had both as house guests (uninvited, of course), I can tell you that there is definitely a difference between these two pests. For one thing, centipedes are carnivores while millipedes are herbivores.
This means that if a centipede bites you, their venomous bite could potentially do some damage.
On the other hand, millipedes don’t have this ability and their bites are harmless.Another difference between these creatures is that millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment while centipedess only have one pair.
Centipedess also typically live in tropical climates while millpedes prefer more temperate areas.So now that we know a little bit more about each creature, what should you do if you find one in your home?
If possible, try to sweep them up and release them outside away from your home.
Centipedes Are Carnivores While Millipedes Are Herbivores
Centipedes and millipedes may look very similar, but these two groups of pests are actually quite different from one another. For starters, centipedes are carnivores while millipedes are herbivores.
This means that centipedes will typically go after smaller insects and animals to eat, while millipedes primarily eat plant matter.
Another big difference between centipedes and millipedes is that centipedes have a single pair of legs per body segment while millipedes have two.
This means that centipedes can move much faster than millipedes, which can be helpful if you’re trying to avoid being eaten by one! Finally, millipedes are generally much larger than centipedes.
Centipedes can reach lengths of up to about 6 inches, while millipedes can get much longer than that. And, if you’re ever in doubt, remember that centipedes are carnivores while millipedes are herbivores!
Centipede’s Bite Can Be Venomous While Millipede’s Cannot
Millipedes and centipedes might look quite similar to the untrained eye, but there are actually some key differences between these two groups of arthropods. For starters, millipedes have a lot more legs than centipedes.
A millipede has two legs per body segment while a centipede only has one. This difference in leg count might not seem like much, but it actually makes millipedes much slower than centipedes.
Centipedes, with their single pair of legs per body segment, can move quite quickly. Another difference between these two groups is that centipedes are carnivorous while millipedes are not.
Centipedes will typically eat anything they can catch, including other insects, spiders, and even small mammals. Millipedes, on the other hand, are mostly herbivorous and feed on decaying vegetation.
One of the most notable differences between centipedes and millipedes is that centipedes can deliver a venomous bite while millipedes cannot. Centipede bites are not usually fatal to humans, but they can be quite painful.
Millipede bites, on the other hand, are not venomous and will not cause any harm beyond a little discomfort. And, if you’re ever unlucky enough to get bitten by a centipede, just remember that it could have been a lot worse!
Millipedes Have Two Pairs of Legs Per Body Segment While Centipedes Only Have One Pair
Millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment while centipedes only have one pair. If you see a bug that has fewer legs, it’s probably a centipede.
Centipedes Live in Tropical Climates While Millipedes Prefer More Temperate Areas
Most people think that centipedes and millipedes are very similar, but there are actually quite a few differences between them. For one, centipedes live in tropical climates while millpedes prefer more temperate areas.
Centipedes are also generally much faster and more aggressive than millipedes. Additionally, centipedes have a single pair of legs per body segment while millipedes have two.
Finally, centipedes typically eat smaller insects, while millipedes mostly eat decaying vegetation.
And if you’re ever in doubt, just remember:
centipedes are fast and furious, while millipedes are slow and steady.
FAQs in Relation to What Is the Difference Between a Centipede and a Millipede
Can millipedes or centipedes hurt you?
No, millipedes or centipedes cannot hurt you. The difference between a centipede and a millipede is that a centipede has one pair of legs per body segment, while a millipede has two pairs of legs per body segment.
Can millipedes bite?
No, millipedes cannot bite. Centipedes, on the other hand, can bite and their bites can be quite painful.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! The next time you’re wondering what is the difference between a centipede and a millipede, just remember that one is venomous and one isn’t.
And if you ever find either of them in your home, try to sweep them up and release them back into the wild!