MYRIAPODS

Myriapods have a head and an elongated trunk with a varying number of leg-bearing segments. They live in leaf litter and underneath stones or wood.

Centipedes (chilopods) have one pair of legs per segments with the last pair modified for sensory or defence purposes. They are predaceous, their mouthparts being covered in poison claws. They prey on smaller arthropods although some species will eat frogs, toads and mice. Symphylans resemble centipedes and are of interest due to their numerous insect-like features, including the mouthparts.

Millipedes (diplopods) have two pairs of legs per segment. They feed mainly on decomposing vegetation.

Pauropods tend to resemble millipedes but have soft bodies and are rather grub-like.