centípedes

Centípedes are arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda. The name "centipede" literally means "hundred legs," though the actual number of legs varies greatly among species, ranging from around 30 to over 300. Each segment of a centipede's body, except for the one closest to the head and the last two, bears a pair of legs. They possess elongated, segmented bodies and a pair of antennae.

Centipedes are carnivorous predators. They use their frontmost pair of legs, which are modified into venomous claws called forcipules, to capture and paralyze their prey. Their diet typically consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Most centipedes are terrestrial and inhabit damp environments such as under rocks, logs, and leaf litter. Some species are arboreal or even aquatic.

Reproduction in centipedes involves the male depositing a spermatophore, which the female then retrieves. The female lays her eggs in soil or other protected locations. Parental care varies among species, with some females guarding their eggs. Centipedes are known for their speed and agility, which they use to hunt and escape predators. While most centipede bites are not medically significant to humans, some larger species can inflict painful bites.