Millipedes and centipedes are both arthropods that belong to the Myriapoda class. However, they differ in several ways:
1. Number of legs: Millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment, while centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment.
2. Body shape: Millipedes have a cylindrical body shape, while centipedes have a flatter, more elongated shape.
3. Feeding habits: Millipedes are detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying plant matter and other organic materials. Centipedes are carnivores and feed primarily on insects and other small animals.
4. Defense mechanisms: Millipedes have a defensive behavior of curling up into a tight ball, with their hard exoskeleton protecting their soft undersides. Centipedes have venomous front legs that they use to subdue their prey and defend themselves.
5. Habitat: Millipedes are typically found in damp environments like forests and wetlands, while centipedes prefer drier habitats like deserts and grasslands.