Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Arthropoda
Isopods
The common isopods we are accustomed to seeing are decomposers. These little guys live in leaf litter and help break down decaying matter.
Some marine isopods can get to be very large, but these animals are also scavangers and decomposers.
There are also parasitic marine isopods that live in and on other animals, stealing nutrition from them.
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Arthropoda
Millipedes
Millipedes have 2 pairs of legs per body segment. Millipedes are decomposers, but they do produce defensive toxins. Some millipedes can be dangerous to humans, but usually they are docile and do not want to be bothered. Some species can get to be very large!
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Arthropoda
Centipedes
Centipedes are predators. These animals have many body segments, but only one pair of legs per segment. They have pinching mouth parts that deliver a venomous bit that helps to subdue their prey. Some species of centipede are dangerous to humans, however the ones in NC would prefer to run from you rather than fight.
biodiversitybasics 