Arthropods: Hard Case

While many arthropods take to the skies, two fascinating groups—the Myriapods and Terrestrial Crustaceans—have spent millions of years perfecting life on the ground. From the many-legged millipede to the armored woodlouse, these creatures are essential for a healthy garden and a balanced planet.

The Many-Legged Myriapods

The name "Myriapod" means "many feet". This group includes centipedes and millipedes, which may look similar at first glance but lead very different lives.

Feature Centipedes Millipedes

Diet Fast-moving predators. Slow-moving detritivores.

Body Shape Flattened bodies. Cylindrical, rounded bodies.

Legs One pair of legs per body segment. Two pairs of legs per body segment.

Tools Use venomous pincers to hunt. Peaceful; feed on decaying plants.

Crustaceans on Land: The Woodlouse

Most crustaceans, like crabs and lobsters, live in the water. However, the woodlouse (also known as a pill bug or slater) is a unique relative that has adapted to life on land.

• Armoured Bodies: They have segmented, protective shells and seven pairs of legs.

• Moisture Seekers: Because they breathe through gill-like structures, they must stay in damp environments like compost heaps to avoid drying out.

• The "Roll" Defence: Some woodlice practice conglobation—rolling into a tight ball when threatened to protect their soft undersides.

Vital Roles in the Ecosystem

These small, hidden creatures are actually "ecosystem heroes" working behind the scenes:

• Nutrient Recycling: Millipedes and woodlice break down dead leaves and wood, turning waste back into rich soil.

• Natural Balance: Centipedes act as a check on other invertebrate populations, preventing any one group from taking over.

• Health Indicators: A garden full of these creatures is a sign of healthy, undisturbed soil.