A myriapod is a member of the subphylum Myriapoda, which includes millipedes, centipedes, and symphylans. Myriapods are characterized by their long, segmented bodies and numerous pairs of legs. They are found in a variety of habitats around the world, and they play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter.
Millipedes
- Millipedes are the largest group of myriapods, with over 12,000 known species.
- They have long, cylindrical bodies with two pairs of legs per segment, except for the first and last few segments.
- Millipedes live in moist habitats, and feed primarily on decaying plant material.
Centipedes
- Centipedes are a smaller group of myriapods, with over 3,000 known species.
- They have long, flattened bodies with one pair of legs per segment.
- Centipedes are predators, and they feed primarily on insects and other small animals.
Symphylans
- Symphylans are a small group of myriapods, with only about 200 known species.
- They have short, cylindrical bodies with 12 pairs of legs.
- Symphylans live in soil, and they feed primarily on plant roots.
