Millipede versus Centipede

Summary

This video explains the key differences between millipedes and centipedes. Despite their similar names, these arthropods are vastly different. Millipedes are slow-moving vegetarians with round, chubby bodies and four legs per body segment, while centipedes are flat, fast, and carnivorous with two legs per segment. Millipedes are harmless unless ingested, while centipedes are venomous but not deadly to humans. Both creatures play beneficial roles in gardens, with millipedes consuming decaying plants and centipedes preying on smaller insects. The video emphasizes appreciating and understanding these creatures in nature.

Takeaways

• 🐛 Centipedes and millipedes are both arthropods but are as different from each other as shrimp and spiders.
• 🐌 Millipedes are slow, strict vegetarians that eat fruits, vegetables, wood, and rotten leaves.
• 🦋 Millipedes have four legs per body segment, are round and chubby, and do not have teeth.
• 🌈 Millipedes come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, including hot pink and jungle-dwelling species.
• ⚠️ Millipedes are harmless unless eaten, at which point they can make you sick or, in rare cases, be deadly.
• 🕷 Centipedes are flat, fast, and have two legs per body segment, adapted for hunting and eating meat.
• 🦂 Centipedes are venomous and use their venom to catch and eat prey such as mice, lizards, and frogs.
• 💉 Although centipedes bite and have venom, they are not deadly to humans, only causing pain if disturbed.
• 🌱 Millipedes are harmless to gardens and should be left alone, while centipedes help by eating pests.
• 🏡 Both centipedes and millipedes are beneficial to have around, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the difference between millipedes and centipedes, highlighting their distinct characteristics and behaviors.

How are millipedes and centipedes related?

Despite their similar-sounding names, millipedes and centipedes are only distantly related. They are both arthropods but have significant differences, as distinct as a shrimp and a spider.

What is the diet of a millipede?

Millipedes are vegetarians and eat fruits, vegetables, wood, and decaying leaves.

How does the body structure of a millipede differ from that of a centipede?

Millipedes have a slow, chubby, and round body with four legs per body segment. In contrast, centipedes have a flat body with two legs per segment and are built for speed.

Are millipedes harmful to humans?

Millipedes are not harmful unless consumed. They are poisonous, meaning if eaten, they can cause sickness, such as vomiting. Some species can even be deadly if ingested.

What kind of animal is a centipede?

Centipedes are carnivorous predators that eat meat, such as mice, lizards, baby frogs, and spiders. They are fast-moving and have venomous fangs for catching prey.

What is the difference between poisonous and venomous?

Poisonous means that a substance can make you sick if ingested, while venomous refers to an organism that has venom and can inject it, usually through a bite or sting.

Can centipedes be dangerous to humans?

While centipedes are venomous and can bite if frightened, they are not deadly to humans. Their bites may hurt but are not dangerous enough to cause serious harm.

Why are centipedes considered beneficial to have in the garden?

Centipedes are beneficial because they eat other bugs and help control pests in the garden and home.

How can you tell the difference between a centipede and a millipede from a distance?

From a distance, a millipede will move slowly with lots of legs close to the ground, while a centipede will move very quickly, as it needs to catch its prey.