Millipede vs. Centipede: The 7 Key Differences Explained

Millipedes and centipedes are extremely similar, but can easily be told apart when you know what to look for. Even their names are similar but have slight differences just like these two animals. When you begin to look closer at these arthropods it is interesting to see how different they really are. Both of them belong to the subphylum of Myriapoda. Millipedes class is Diplopoda, and centipedes belong to the Chilopoda class.

Their habitats, lifestyles, and body types are where you can find slight differences. Known for their large number of legs, both animals have a variety of species and are found in every continent but Antarctica. It is said that there can be as many as 80,000 millipede species, but only around 12,000 of them have been discovered. Only 3,000 species of centipede have been discovered, and a possibility of 8,000 species exist.

Let’s take a look at the differences between millipedes and centipedes. You will find plenty of differences between them but may be surprised by what is similar about the two. Millipedes and centipedes are both over 400 million years old and have adapted to be one of the most versatile of terrestrial animals.

Comparing Millipedes and Centipede

7 Key Differences Between Centipedes and Millipedes

There are key differences that separate millipedes vs. centipedes. Millipedes are herbivores that eat decaying plants while centipedes are carnivores that hunt other animals. Centipedes have two legs per body segment while millipedes have four legs per segment. In addition, centipedes have longer legs. As herbivores, millipedes are not venomous while most centipedes utilize venom to help them hunt. However, millipedes will secret a toxin from their bodies as a defensive measure.

Let’s dive into more details on the differences that separate millipedes and centipedes.

Millipede vs. Centipede: Body Type

Millipedes and centipedes both have segmented body types. Millipedes have four legs per segment and centipedes only have two. Millipedes’ legs are shorter and are located under their body. They have a round head with a short antenna. Centipedes have longer legs that stick out to the side of their body. Their heads are large with long antennae. 

Centipedes also have a set of antennas on their back which helps them see. Millipedes have better eyesight, but some species are blind. Near the antenna of the centipede are pincers which help them bite predators. The largest millipede can grow up to 15 inches, but the largest centipede is around 12 inches. 

Millipede vs. Centipede: Colors

The colors of the centipede and millipede will vary depending on the species. Millipedes are generally dark colors like gray or black. They are usually one solid color. Some millipede species like the Apheloria polychroma are multicolored. Larger species with brighter colors are more dangerous to handle and are more poisonous.

There are plenty of centipedes that have different colored body parts, but orange is a color found in most species. Soil centipedes are one color, being all orange. Other species like the red-headed centipede have black bodies, redheads, and yellow legs. Centipedes have more color patterns then millipedes like the Indian giant tiger centipede, which has alternating black and yellow body segments.

Millipede vs. Centipede: Habitat and Location

Millipedes and centipedes are both found all over the world. Both species live outdoors in damp habitats. They will live under logs, leaves, and other dark moist areas. Millipedes spend the majority of their life in the soil. Millipedes and centipedes can be found in habitats like deserts, forest floors, and even gardens. Both of these animals can find their way into your home and live in places like bathrooms or laundry rooms. Millipedes will die quickly in homes, but some centipedes can survive in our houses. 

Millipede vs. Centipede: Feeding Habits

Centipedes feed on small insects and are predatory. Larger species can hunt mammals, reptiles, and birds. Millipedes do not hunt but are herbivores and detritivores, feeding on dead and decaying plant life. If there is no food then millipedes will feed on live plants.

Millipede vs. Centipede: Venom

Centipedes are venomous, but millipedes are not. The strength of a centipede’s venom will vary depending on its size, and larger species will usually have a stronger bite. Most species of centipede’s bite will feel similar to a bee’s sting. The Amazonian giant centipede, and other giant centipede species have the strongest bite in the centipede family. They use their venom to defend themselves and neutralize smaller prey.

Millipedes do not bite and are not venomous. They have other defense traits that they rely on, that centipedes do not have. Millipedes’ heads are too small, and their mouths are only designed to eat decaying plant life.

Millipede vs. Centipede: Defensive Traits

Centipedes will bite only if they have to, and will usually flee if they feel threatened. Their venomous bite can cause swelling, nausea, redness, and fever. It is usually harmless and more effective on smaller animals. Centipedes are also able to get rid of their legs if in the grip of a predator.

Millipedes will not run when threatened, but stay still. They secrete a toxin from their body that is poisonous for predators to eat. Millipedes curl into a ball to protect their soft underside. If picked up by a human, millipedes will sometimes secrete their toxin and will irritate our skin. 

Millipede vs. Centipede: Reproduction

Millipedes and centipedes both lay eggs to reproduce. Most species of millipedes mate by using modified legs that transfer sperm into females. Centipedes will mate by weaving a web and having males deposit sperm into it. The females will then find it and have the male impregnate them with their antennas. Some millipede species will mate the same ways as centipedes. Centipede will lay anywhere from 35 to 150 eggs. Millipedes can lay as much as 300 eggs.

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