By Eshana Saha
Published Dec 07, 2024

Hindustan Times
Lifestyle

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Meet the multilegged marvels of the animal kingdom

Some animals boast an extraordinary number of legs, far surpassing the typical four or six. Let’s explore creatures with more than 10 legs that showcase nature’s incredible diversity.

Centipedes can have between 30 to 354 legs, depending on the species. These predatory arthropods are known for their segmented bodies and venomous pincers.

Millipedes are the champions of leg count, with some species having over 1,300 legs! Unlike centipedes, they are harmless and feed on decomposing plant material.

Crabs, lobsters, and other decapods have 10 legs, but some species, like king crabs, use additional limb-like structures for tasks like feeding.

Pill Bugs (Woodlice): These terrestrial crustaceans, often called "roly-polies," have 14 legs and curl into a ball when threatened.

Velvet worms, ancient and fascinating creatures, sport between 13 to 43 pairs of legs, depending on their species.

 Sea Spiders: Despite their name, sea spiders are not true spiders. These marine arthropods often have 8 to 12 legs, with some species reaching up to 40 legs.