The animal known as “100 pies” in English is commonly referred to as a centipede. Centipedes are fascinating creatures that belong to the class Chilopoda, which is part of the arthropod group called Myriapoda. This group also includes other arthropods like millipedes.
The name “centipede” is derived from the Latin words “centi-” meaning “hundred” and “pes, pedis” meaning “foot”. This name accurately describes the appearance of these arthropods, as they have numerous legs extending from their bodies. However, despite their name, centipedes do not actually have exactly 100 legs. The number of legs can vary depending on the species, with some having fewer legs and others having more.
Centipedes are predatory creatures, meaning they hunt and feed on other animals. They have a long, segmented body that is typically brown or reddish-brown in color. Each segment of their body is equipped with a pair of legs, with the first segment typically modified into venomous claws called forcipules. These forcipules are used to capture and paralyze their prey.
One interesting fact about centipedes is that they are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. They prefer dark and damp environments, such as under rocks, logs, or in soil. I remember encountering a centipede once while gardening in the evening. It was a rather large specimen, and its quick movements startled me. It swiftly crawled away into a nearby pile of leaves, disappearing from sight.
Centipedes are well-adapted for their predatory lifestyle. They have sensory organs on their antennae and modified legs that help them detect vibrations and smells in their surroundings. These adaptations allow them to locate their prey, which typically consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They inject venom into their prey using their forcipules to immobilize and subdue them.
Although centipedes are generally harmless to humans, some larger species can deliver painful bites if provoked or threatened. These bites can cause localized pain, swelling, and redness, similar to a bee sting. However, severe reactions are rare, and most centipede bites can be treated with basic first aid measures.
In terms of their ecological role, centipedes play an important part in controlling populations of insects and other invertebrates. They help to maintain the balance of ecosystems by preying on pests and serving as a food source for other animals. Having centipedes in your garden can be beneficial for natural pest control, as they can help keep populations of harmful insects in check.
The animal known as “100 pies” in English is a centipede. These fascinating arthropods are predatory and belong to the class Chilopoda. While they do not actually have exactly 100 legs, their name accurately describes their appearance. Centipedes are nocturnal creatures that prefer dark and damp environments. They are well-adapted for hunting and prey on insects and other small invertebrates. While some species can deliver painful bites, they generally pose little threat to humans. In gardens, centipedes can contribute to natural pest control and help maintain a balanced ecosystem.
