Exploring the World of Millipedes and Centipedes

How many legs does a centipede have compared to a millipede?

A. Centipedes have less legs than millipedes.

B. Centipedes have more legs than millipedes.

C. Centipedes and millipedes have the same number of legs.

Answer:

The correct answer is A. Centipedes have less legs than millipedes.

Centipedes and millipedes are often mistaken for each other due to their similar names, but they have distinct differences, especially when it comes to the number of legs they possess.

A centipede typically has fewer legs compared to a millipede. Centipedes belong to the class Chilopoda and have one pair of legs per body segment. This means that they have between 30 and 354 legs depending on the species. In contrast, millipedes belong to the class Diplopoda and have two pairs of legs per body segment, resulting in a higher leg count ranging from 30 to 400 legs.

Despite their names suggesting otherwise, neither centipedes nor millipedes have the exact number of legs as their names imply. However, millipedes still have significantly more legs compared to centipedes. Additionally, centipedes are carnivorous, while millipedes primarily feed on decaying plant matter, making them herbivores.

Next time you encounter a creature with numerous legs, take a closer look to determine whether it is a centipede or a millipede based on the number of legs and their feeding habits.