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CENTIPEDES
Millipedes usually live in and around damp areas, such as garden mulch and under rocks, bark, and other debris. They are mostly nocturnal, and they eat the damp material they live around. During cold weather, millipedes actually burrow into the ground to survive. They also molt as they grow, adding legged segments to the body each time. Two sets of legs are found on each segment. The many species vary widely in length, and some varieties can reach two to three inches in size. Since millipedes actually eat decaying matter, they are not a plant pest, and are actually helpful to the soil. Under ideal conditions they may develop annoying swarms, however. Millipedes have a unique defense mechanism. They wind up into a coil, and emit repugnant fluids and odors. Some can even emit small amounts of toxic cyanide fumes.
MILLIPEDES
Centipedes vary greatly in length, from 1/4th to 6 inches. The House centipede is 1-1½ inches in length, with 15 pairs of long legs. They prefer areas high in moisture, and are most active at night. Some species can inflict a painful bite, injecting venom from the claws. Usually considered a beneficial insect, but can invade homes seeking out its prey.
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