Arthropods
6 questions tagged Arthropods — spanning every one of the seven Ws.
Why do mantis shrimps have such powerful punching claws?
Their club-like appendages store elastic energy and release it in a lightning-fast strike. The impact can smash shells or stun prey.
Why do centipedes have so many legs?
Centipedes are segmented predators, and each body segment carries a pair of legs. The many legs help them move quickly through soil, leaf litter and crevices.
Why do millipedes curl into a coil when threatened?
Curling protects the soft underside and hides the head from predators. Many millipedes also secrete defensive chemicals.
What is a centipede?
A centipede is a long, many-legged arthropod that belongs to the class Chilopoda. Despite the name, centipedes do not have exactly 100 legs.
What is a sea spider?
A sea spider is a marine arthropod with a tiny body and very long legs. Despite the name, it is not a true spider.
Where do velvet worms live today?
Velvet worms live in damp tropical and temperate habitats, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. They are found in places such as Central and South America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia.