Diplopoda is a large Class under the Phylum Arthropoda and
bugs belonging to this class are also known as millipedes. They are slow-moving
detrivores with two legs per segment, and they diet on decaying organic matter
in the soil.
It is widely believed that the prehistoric Diplopodas were
the first arthropods to populate the Earth, and it is likely that they fed on
moss and other primitive plants.
The common name millipede comes from Latin meaning 'thousand
legs.' Although they do not have such a large number of legs, they normally
have a few hundred legs, with the species Illacme plenipes having an
average of over 600 legs with one specimen recorded to having had 750 legs.
Although their short, numerous legs slow them down above
ground, millipedes are superb burrowers because their segmented bodies enable
them to move their body in a wave-like pattern to move through the ground
easily.
It is quite common to see a millipede curl up when you catch
one in your hands. This is the basic defense mechanism of most millipedes. They
do not have stingers, teeth, or wings to fly away on. Some extraordinary
species do have secondary defense mechanisms, however. They are able to
execrate poisonous liquid or hydrogen cyanide, an acid. These secretions are
strong enough to melt the exoskeletons of predators or injure the eyes of a
larger predator...such as you, if you are unfortunate.
