Myriapods

MYRIAPODS, Myriapoda, a class of the arthropod phylum (Arthropoda); the body consists of uniform segments, each bearing one or two pairs of articulated legs; the head is well demarcated and bears a pair of antennae and mouthparts consisting of an upper lip (labrum), a pair of mandibles, and one or two pairs of maxillae, which may fuse into a lower lip (labium). In centipedes (Chilopoda), the first pair of legs is joined to the head in the position of poison claws. The intestine is divided into foregut, midgut, and hindgut; a pair or two pairs of Malpighian tubules open at the beginning of the latter. Salivary glands are present. The circulatory system is open, with a long dorsal heart. They breathe by means of tracheae. Sexes are separate. The nervous system is ladder-like. Eyes are usually present (simple, rarely faceted). They reproduce by laying eggs. The most important orders of myriapods are: millipedes (Diplopoda), in which the majority of segments bear 2 pairs of legs. Many species possess special foramina repugnatoria—openings of special glands that secrete a rapidly evaporating, caustic, and odorous fluid; such organs serve as a protective adaptation. They feed on decaying plant matter or the tissues of plants and fruits. The sand millipedes (Julus sabulosus) are ubiquitous in Europe. Julus terrestris and other species have been found in the human intestine as pseudoparasites. Other representatives of Diplopoda include the pill millipede (Polydesmus complanatus), the pill-bug millipede Glomeris, etc. Centipedes (Chilopoda). Poison glands are situated within the poison claws, one in each claw, which makes the bite of centipedes venomous. Widely distributed are Lithobius forficatus (under stones, tree bark) and Geophilus (see). Southern forms include the centipede Scolopendra cingulata, up to 10-12 cm in length, and the house centipede or spider-like myriapod (Scutigera coleoptrata). Being carnivorous, centipedes feed on various small and larger animals which they are able to overcome thanks to their speed and venomousness. Bites of European (resp. Russian) myriapods are practically harmless to man, as they cause only a local and short-lived reaction. Scutigera is beneficial by exterminating house flies. Regarding accidental parasitism by myriapods, see Pseudoparasites, Geophilus. Prophylaxis of myriapod parasitism: eat fruits with caution, especially those that have fallen to the ground, as myriapods easily crawl into them. Eat vegetables after thoroughly washing and cleaning them.