Hundreds & Thousands

Posted by Barbara Taragan on August 26, 2003

Q: I am considering purchasing centipedes and millipedes for fifth grade students to observe. What safety issues should I be aware of?

Thanks.

A: Both of these kinds of animals are interesting and I'm glad you're thinking of safety before you havethe students work with them.

Millipedes are herbivors (plant eaters) and quite docile. These animals can be handled safely. Just be sure your students are gentle.

Centipedes, on the other hand,are carnivores (meat eaters) and have the ability to jab with special forelegs and imobilize prey with a mild venom. Centipedes should NOT be handled for this reason.

John Wiessinger ( August 29, 2003)

Filed under: Creepy-Crawlies