Millipedes

Millipedes are fascinating little animals with lots and lots of legs. The word millipede means a thousand legs, but most have between 40 and 400. They have long, round bodies made of many segments. Millipedes are not insects but are related to them.

Many Legs

Each segment of a millipede's body has two pairs of legs. When a millipede walks, its legs move in waves from front to back. This looks like ripples running along its body. Millipedes are slow walkers and do not try to run away from danger. Instead, they curl up into a tight spiral to protect their soft belly.

Forest Cleaners

Millipedes live in damp places like under logs, rocks, and leaves. They are very important for forests because they eat dead plants. By breaking down old leaves, they help make the soil rich and healthy. Millipedes come out mostly at night to look for food. Some can release a stinky liquid to scare away predators.

Fun Facts

• One kind of millipede found in Australia has 1,306 legs, the most of any animal.
• Millipedes have been on Earth for over 400 million years.
• Some giant millipedes can grow more than a foot long.

Did You Know?

Millipedes are some of the oldest land animals. Fossils show they were among the first creatures to live on land, even before dinosaurs.