# How Long Do Millipedes Live?

> Millipede lifespan is typically 1–10 years (varies by species). What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Least Concern).

- **Species:** Millipede (*Diplopoda*)
- **Conservation status:** Least Concern
- **Diet:** Detritivore (decaying leaves and plant matter)
- **Habitat:** Soil and leaf litter worldwide
- **Lifespan:** 1–10 years (varies by species)
- **Top speed:** Very slow; plods through leaf litter
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/millipede/how-long-do-millipede-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/millipede/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

Millipedes are slow-moving arthropods in the class Diplopoda, with long, rounded bodies whose segments each carry two pairs of legs. Despite their name, none actually have a thousand legs, though some species come close. They are harmless detritivores that feed on decaying plant matter and help recycle nutrients in soil worldwide, and many species live several years.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Body and legs

Millipedes have long, rounded, segmented bodies, and most segments carry two pairs of legs, which sets them apart from centipedes. This gives them dozens to hundreds of legs that move in graceful, rippling waves as they walk. Although the name means thousand legs, no species was known to truly exceed a thousand until a recently discovered Australian species finally surpassed it.

## Help protect the Millipede

Even familiar animals lose ground as wild habitat keeps shrinking worldwide.

[Donate to wildlife protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/donate/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/millipede/how-long-do-millipede-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.