What is the difference between a centipede and a millipede?

A millipede does not have a million legs but it has twice as many as centipede about the same length – two pair to each segment. In spite of this the millipede moves more slowly than the centipede. It feeds on vegetation and often destroys valuable crops like potatoes, whereas the centipede is a carnivore and catches worms, spiders and insects, sometimes including flies.

Millipedes are interesting animals. At various times they have been known to swarm and once in France their seething numbers brought a train to a standstill. As they are blind their mating signals are highly developed. It has recently been reported that one type of millipede from Europe attracts a mate by banging its head on the ground.