Category Millipedes

Millipedes look very similar to caterpillars, but are an entirely different group of invertebrates. Caterpillars are the juvenile form of moths and butterflies, whereas millipedes look almost exactly the same in their adult and juvenile forms. What are millipedes? Millipedes…

Millipedes do not have a many means of protecting themselves, as they do not have venom or stings. In general, they protect themselves by hiding away, and remaining out of sight. If attacked, many species can also produce an unpleasant…

While millipedes can technically enter your ear, it is highly unlikely they would do so. Can insects get stuck in a human’s ear? Sci-fi films are full of horror scenes involving insects or other creepy-crawlies entering into a person’s head…

The vast majority of millipedes eat decomposing materials, such as rotting wood or plant matter. A small number of species also eat meat, such as insects. Most species will also eat their own faeces and their discarded exoskeleton after they…

Millipedes breathe through sets of spiracles that are located on each segment of their body. These spiracles act as holes to allow oxygen into the body. Air then moves down a series of tubes called trachea and is fed directly…

Some millipedes do enter a state that is similar to hibernation. True hibernation is experienced by warm-blooded animals, whereas millipedes enter diapause. They may also enter aestivation, which is similar but occurs during dry periods. What is hibernation? Hibernation is…