Centipedes are a class of multi-legged, highly venomous predators (with a few non-carnivorous specimens) belonging to the Myriapoda subphylum. Although media may misrepresent them, centipedes in real life always have an odd number of pairs of legs (five pairs or fifteen pairs all the way up to one hundred and seventy-seven pairs, but never twelve pairs for example, and never having an actual 100 legs exactly). Although they appear to have huge jaws, they are actually highly adapted legs known as venom claws or forcipules.
Centipedes have a rounded or flattened head, bearing a pair of antennae at the forward margin. Forcipules are a unique feature found only in centipedes and in no other arthropods. The forcipules are modifications of the first pair of legs, forming a pincer-like appendage always found just behind the head.
When they appear, they usually are aggressive and enemies for the protagonists to contend with. Occasionally they are seen in a brighter light, however.
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