Centipedes (Chilopoda)

Arthropoda -> Myriapoda -> Chilopoda

Centipedes are Myriapods, which means they’re related to Millipedes, Symphylans, Pauropods and Woodlice. The name centipede comes from the Latin for ‘Hundred Foot’, although the total number of legs on an individual can vary from 30 to over 350 between species. Centipedes are mostly predatory carnivores, taking on their prey using a large special pair of poison claws under their head, called forcipules. These forcipules are actually modified legs, which act as pincers to hold prey and inject venom into their poor victim. Embarrassing fact: I’m actually quite wary of centipedes, and treat them with extreme reverence ever since watching a video of a tropical giant centipede killing and eating a snake. Fortunately for me, none of the UK’s >50 species reach quite such intimidating sizes, reaching perhaps 50 mm at most. More information on these amazing creatures can be found at the British Myriapod and Isopod Groups pages here.