lülijalgsed

Lülijalgsed is a term used in Estonian to refer to myriapods, a subphylum of arthropods that includes millipedes, centipedes, and their smaller relatives. These creatures are characterized by their elongated bodies composed of many segments, each typically bearing one or two pairs of legs. The name "lülijalgsed" itself translates to "joint-legged," a fitting description for their many articulated limbs.

Myriapods are terrestrial invertebrates, commonly found in damp, dark environments such as under logs, in leaf litter, and in soil. They play a significant role in their ecosystems as detritivores, breaking down dead plant material and contributing to nutrient cycling. While some centipedes are predatory, most millipedes are herbivores or detritivores.

There are two main classes of myriapods: Chilopoda (centipedes) and Diplopoda (millipedes). Centipedes are generally faster-moving and possess a single pair of legs per body segment (except for the segment behind the head and the last two segments). They are carnivorous and have a venomous bite delivered through modified front legs called forcipules. Millipedes, on the other hand, are typically slower and have two pairs of legs per body segment (due to the fusion of two ancestral segments). They are primarily detritivores and defend themselves by coiling up or secreting foul-smelling chemicals. Despite their common names, neither centipedes nor millipedes actually have hundreds or thousands of legs, respectively. The exact number of legs can vary widely depending on the species.