{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "millipede",
  "name": "Millipede",
  "scientificName": "Diplopoda",
  "category": "Invertebrate",
  "summary": "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.",
  "conservationStatus": "Least Concern",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Arthropoda",
    "class": "Diplopoda",
    "order": null,
    "family": null,
    "genus": null
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 0.02,
    "lengthM": 0.1,
    "topSpeedKmh": 0.1,
    "lifespanYears": 7
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Diplopoda (class)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Detritivore (decaying leaves and plant matter)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Soil and leaf litter worldwide"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "1–10 years (varies by species)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Length",
      "value": "From a few mm to about 30 cm (12 in)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "Very slow; plods through leaf litter"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Least Concern (IUCN, most species)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Soil and leaf litter in damp habitats on every continent except Antarctica.",
    "continents": [
      "Africa",
      "Asia",
      "Europe",
      "North America",
      "South America",
      "Oceania"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "citation": "IUCN Red List — Diplopoda.",
      "url": "https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Diplopoda&searchType=species"
    },
    {
      "citation": "Wikipedia — Millipede.",
      "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millipede"
    }
  ],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/millipede/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/millipede/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}