Bug #1 -- Centipede

Centipede

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Chilopoda
Order: Lithobiomorpha
Family: Henicópidae

Centipedes are flat, wormlike creatures with fifteen or more pairs of legs (appendages). One pair for each body segment. The antennae on a centipede has at least fourteen or more segments. The first set of appendages behind the head are clawlike, and are called poison jaws. These jaws are used to trap and paralyze their prey. Eyes may be present or absent: if present. they usually consist of numerous ocelli. Centipedes can easily be found in soil, under bark, rotting wood, and other debris. They are very active, fast-running animals, and are very predaceous: they feed on insects, spiders, and other small animals. Small centipedes are harmless to man, but the larger ones can give quite painful bites. American centipedes can range in size from a few millimeters to just over six inches in length. Their color varies in species from pale yellow to dark brown. Two families make up the order Lithobiomorpha. The difference between the two families can be determined by using and comparing the eye structures of each.

Original enlargement 35 times.

Submitted by -- Marshall Elementary School

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