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Most people are not very familiar with millipedes. We don't tend to keep them as pets, and because they have more legs than any mammal, we are often quick to be frightened by them. Millipedes belong to the phylum Arthropoda. Other members of this phylum are insects, spiders and crabs. Like all arthropods, millipedes have an exoskeleton, making them feel hard to the touch. Millipedes are sometimes confused with centipedes. Millipedes do not have a venomous bite and have two pairs of legs on most body segments. Centipedes have a venomous bite and only one pair of legs per body segment. So, if you encounter millipedes in the yard, you can now distinguish the millipede from the pale-colored house centipede you might find in your basement. Millipedes are important organisms for the health of forests and other habitats. They feed on last-years leaves, cycling the nutrients and enriching the soil. Next time you see a millipede, remember the important job they do.
We want to demonstrate that millipedes are wonderfully diverse and fascinating animals, and we hope to support millipede enthusiasts around the world. The introduction to millipedes and the identification key are offered in several languages, with a plan to add more languages in the future.
Please choose from the following options:
 Introduction to Millipedes
Teacher Resources
Body Organization
Key to Millipede Orders
Identification Tables
Glossary
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