Do mimicry in woodlice and millipedes

Mokritsa

Mokritsa is nothing more than a small crustacean with a slightly oval body, which is slightly convex in the upper part. The size of an adult individual can reach up to 18 mm.The body covers a 7-segment gray shell that protects against the effects of external enemies and natural factors. It consists of shields, which lying one on another create the effect of a tiled roof. In case of danger, the animal's body collapses, forming a clump that looks like a shell on all sides. This is the expression of woodlice mimicry.

At the bottom of each segment there is a corresponding pair of legs (7 pairs in total). On the small head of wood lice there are two pairs of whiskers and eyes. Two tactile organs resembling tails, appendages, are located at the end of the body.

Mokritsy

Despite the fact that woodlice switched to the land way of life, they breathe through the gills. The main thing is the presence of a damp climate, dry habitat is detrimental to them. Crustaceans settle in damp, loose soil, feeding on fallen leaves and rotting wood. They show activity at night, during the day they hide in shelter. These animals get into apartments from damp basements or attics, where there are problems with sewage or water supply.

Often, residents of high-rise buildings simply do not know the difference between lice and millipede. Despite the fact that these are completely unrelated organisms, they are able to mimic and become similar not only to other objects externally, but even to predatory spiders.Therefore, having met such an animal, one can easily be mistaken.

On a note
Mimicry is the unique ability of living organisms to acquire similarities with the objects around them. Imitating another species, insects and animals try to protect themselves.

Lokres are not dangerous to humans, but they can do harm. Being in raw cellars and cellars, they can spoil the products. Using such ability as mimicry, the animal can live in a flowerpot with wet soil. The result is that it easily disrupts the normal development of the plant. Therefore, apartment owners are trying to get rid of using various means and methods.

Centipede

The centipedes, or as they are called, centipedes, are moisture-loving creatures of a yellowish or dark gray color. They prefer to eat rotting leaves. Young shoots, roots or bulbs may also come to their liking, which can later lead to wilting of the plant. The size of the centipedes is 10-50 mm, the body is segmented. At the slightest danger, they are rolled up. This is a peculiar manifestation of mimicry.

Centipedes

The body of the centipede can be divided into two components: the head and the body. The head is rounded with a pair of antennae and two pairs of jaws. On each segment of the body are located one or two pairs of legs. Some species of centipedes may consist of hundreds of segments.

The centipedes are wildlife dwellers. They can be found not only in forests or in meadows, but also in savannas and even deserts. Using the properties of mimicry, arthropods adapt to different habitats. Certain types of centipedes can be dangerous to humans. Their rather painful bite can be accompanied by swelling, swelling and even fever.

Asking whether the woodlouse and millipedes have mimicry, it is safe to say that both animals have this ability. In addition, the mimicry between the lice and the centipede is very similar: both creatures, trying to hide, are curled up into a ball.