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 A Little Bit MoreCentipedes and millipedes are regularly confused. Probably the easiest way to separate the two is to note their leg arrangements: centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment while millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment. Millipedes are herbivores feeding on a variety of live and dead plant material but centipedes are carnivores, actively hunting down their prey.  Centipedes are usually found in moist, protected locations like soil, under bark and rocks, or in rotten logs. Of course, many homeowners have discovered one of these animals in their basement or bathroom shower stall too. Centipedes often hide by day and hunt at night. These active, swift animals subdue their prey by injecting poison with modified claws. All centipedes have poison “jaws” and although those in northern portions of North America are not considered harmful, some in southern areas can inflict a painful jab. If you don’t bother them, they’ll not harm you. ActivitiesScience – Close InspectionObjectives: Good look at a centipede or millipede Materials: Captured centipede or millipede Put the word out to your students or friends that you’d like to have a centipede and/or millipede captured so you can get a good look. It will be best if you can get these animals alive so you can watch it move but a dead one will work too. CAUTION: you already know that some centipedes can jab you so capturing one should be with an adult’s help. You can use a clear plastic container to carefully scoop up the animal and then cover with a lid. Tiny holes in the lid will ensure that the animal has oxygen. Bring your centipede and/or millipede into class and allow everyone to get a nice long look at it. If your animal is alive, it should be interesting to watch how its legs work. You know too how to tell centipedes from millipedes so be sure you use this knowledge so everyone understands the difference. After all have had a chance to get a good look at your live subjects, be sure to release them in an appropriate location – all animals deserve our respect. Related WebsitesDownload this Poster |