40jalkaiset

40jalkaiset is a Finnish term that translates to "forty-legged creatures" or more commonly, centipedes. These are arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda. While the name suggests they possess exactly forty legs, this is not always the case. Centipedes typically have one pair of legs per body segment, with the exception of the segment behind the head and the last two segments. The number of leg-bearing segments varies greatly among species, leading to a wide range in the total number of legs. Some species may have as few as thirty legs, while others can have over three hundred.

Centipedes are characterized by their elongated, segmented bodies. They possess a pair of antennae and a pair of poison claws, called forcipules, located just behind their head. These forcipules are modified legs used to inject venom into their prey. Centipedes are predators, feeding on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They are found in a variety of habitats, often in damp and dark environments such as under logs, rocks, and leaf litter.

The common perception of centipedes as dangerous to humans is often exaggerated. While some larger species can deliver a painful bite, their venom is generally not medically significant to humans. Most centipedes encountered are small and pose no threat. Their role in the ecosystem is primarily as natural pest controllers, preying on insects that could otherwise become a nuisance.