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millipedes and centipedes

Millipedes and centipedes are something we’ve been seeing a lot of lately.  My son has even been carefully collecting the millipedes for a closer look.  He is fascinated with the way that they curl up to protect themselves.  And, of course, after being told that centipedes bite he is terrified and fascinated at the same time.
Here are some interesting facts about millipedes and centipedes from lifeunseen.com
  • centipedes and millipedes are not insects.  The most obvious difference from insects is the number of legs.  All insects have 3 pairs, centipedes and millipedes can have dozens or even hundreds of pairs.
  • centipedes are predators and will prey on almost invertebrate
  • millipedes are scavengers and mainly survive on rotting vegetation or animal matter
If you go to the lifeunseen website there are pictures of different types of centipedes and millipedes.  Sorry I don’t have a photo but the tiny size of millipedes is beyond the powers of my camera.
Do you children collect and observe insects?  Which insects are their favourites?
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Comments

Deb said…
The girls seem to be a bit scared of centipedes - must be the pincers! But they love watching millipedes. We got lots in the tropics.
February 8, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Debi said…
After the rains last week, my 5 year old said we needed to go out and look for worms. We didn't happen to find any that afternoon, but I'm hopeful he'll continue his quest for backyard bugs!
February 9, 2010 at 8:31 AM
Playing by the book said…
Hi Catherine,

Just wanted to let you know I've linked to you today from my blog:
http://www.playingbythebook.net/2010/02/09/thank-you-to-you/
Please feel free to ignore the award - I know these things are not everyone's idea of fun. But at least I get to spread the word about your lovely blog!
February 10, 2010 at 7:56 AM
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