Centipedes belong to the class Chilopoda within the phylum Arthropoda. They are segmented arthropods characterized by their elongated bodies and numerous pairs of legs, with one pair on each body segment.
The classification hierarchy for centipedes is as follows:
- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Chilopoda
Within this class, centipedes are further divided into several orders, which include:
- Scutigeromorpha (house centipedes)
- Geophilomorpha (soil centipedes)
- Scolopendromorpha (tropical centipedes)
Centipedes are primarily carnivorous and play an essential role in the ecosystem by controlling pest populations. Their classification highlights their unique morphology and adaptations that distinguish them from other arthropods.