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Myriapods
Myriapods are Arthropods recognized by their many segmented legs, and a single pair of antennae at the end of their ususally elongated bodies. They are divided into four main groups: Millipedes (Diplopods), Centipedes (Chilopods), Symphylans, and Pauropods. Most feed off fungi and rotting organic matter with the exception of centipedes who are active nocturnal predators.
Millipedes (Diplopods)
Unlike other Myriapods, Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment, hence their name, Diplo- (double) -pod (leg). They often have long bodies made up of many segments, which has allowed some species to boast a larger number of legs than any other animal on Earth.
However, different types of millipedes can vary in appearance with some having long cylindrical bodies (Snake millipedes), some exhibiting a bumpy, rectangular appearance (Flat back millipedes), and others having shorter, taller, curved bodies (Pill millipedes), allowing them to roll into a ball, much like an Armadillo. They play an important role in the forest ecosystem, consuming and breaking down leaf litter and detritus.
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Centipedes (Chilopods)
Centipedes have one pair of legs per segment and have long, tapering antennae. They are much faster than most millipedes and are armed with a pair of venomous claws to capture unsuspecting prey such as springtails and woodlice.
Some centipedes, such as the Stone Centipedes (Lithobiomorpha) are quite robust and chase down their prey among the leaf litter, whereas Earth Centipedes (Geophilomorpha) tend to stay underground. Blind, Earth centipedes rely on touch and pushing their long, thin bodies through the soil to find prey.
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Symphylans
These Myriapods resemble young centipedes, but are always pale in colour, blind, small in size (usually <1cm), and feed on fungi and other organic matter rather than being carnivorous. This also means they lack the venomous claws that centipedes have. Their soft bodies and dependance on moisture make them very fragile animals, quickly disintegrating after death.
There are two different families of Symphylans, The Scutigerellidae which are larger and have a more rounded head, and the Scolopendrelidae which are usually much smaller and have more elongated heads.
Pauropods
These mysterious creatures are the smallest myriapods, usually measuring 0.5-1.5mm in length. Their small size and white, elongated appearance can make them difficult to distinguish from common white springtails, so very few people have noticed them in the wild. They reside inside rotten wood and soil, feeding on fungal hyphae and other organic matter, much like Symphylans. Their antennae are unlike those in any other animal, branching into two segments, and then into three flagellae and a basket shaped sense organ called the 'globulus'. Many species live in colonies, and young individuals can often be seen in small groups accompanied by adults.
There are two distinct families of Pauropods; the Pauropodidae (white, elongated, fast moving species), and the Eurypauropodidae (orange or brown slow-moving species which have tough armour plates covering their bodies).
