Phylum Arthropoda

This chapter discusses the subphylum Myriapoda in correlation with phylum Arthropoda. It enumerates the classes of the arthropod subphylum Myriapoda: Chilopoda (centipedes), Diplopoda (millipedes), Pauropoda (pauropods), and Symphyla (symphylans). Myriapods differ from hexapods and most crustaceans in their retention of a largely homonomous trunk with paired segmental appendages. The chapter shows that Millipedes are slow-moving detritus feeders that generally spend their time burrowing through soil and litter. In contrast, most centipedes are fast-running predators, with one pair of legs per segment and poison claws. The chapter mentions how future research should include centipede venoms, millipede defensive secretions and the genomic and physiological adaptations they acquired in adapting to terrestrial environments.