Archive for the ‘Australian Centipedes’ Category


Posted on May 26, 2010 - by

Australian Centipedes

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This entry is part 1 of 3 in the series Australian Invertebrates


Chilopoda and the Australian Centipedes

Contrary to popular belief (and indeed their own name!), centipedes don’t necessarily have 100 legs. Unlike millipedes, centipedes have only 1 pair of legs per body segment, whereas millipedes have 2 pairs. Centipedes are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of small animals (including frogs and lizards!), but mainly insects. They catch their prey using their powerful jaws located at the front of the head. The last pair of legs in many centipedes is usually strong and brightly coloured, and although they look quite dangerous they are only used to grasp prey or wave in the air as a defensive display. (more…)