Diplopoda is a class of arthropods that belongs to the subphylum Myriapoda. It is commonly known as the class of millipedes. Diplopoda is derived from the Greek terms "diplos," meaning double, and "podos," meaning foot, which accurately describes the characteristic feature of this class – the presence of two pairs of legs per body segment.
Millipedes, or diplopods, are elongated animals that exhibit a segmented body structure. They typically range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in length, although some can grow up to 38 centimeters in extreme cases. With approximately 12,000 described species worldwide, they inhabit various terrestrial environments, including forests, grasslands, and caves across all continents except Antarctica.
These arthropods have a unique defensive mechanism called "chambering." When disturbed or threatened, they can release a variety of secretions from their glandular pores, which can be foul-smelling or toxic to predators, serving as a means of defense. While their name may suggest that they have a thousand legs, millipedes usually have fewer than two hundred legs. The number of legs per body segment can vary across species but is always an even number.
Diplopoda primarily feed on decaying plant material such as leaves, decaying wood, and organic matter, playing a crucial role in breaking down dead plant material and recycling nutrients in the ecosystem. Some species are also known to consume fungi and even small insects.
In conclusion, diplopoda refers to the class of arthropods known as millipedes that possess a segmented body structure with two pairs of legs per segment. They are abundant worldwide, exhibit a range of sizes and defensive mechanisms, and play a significant role
