The relatively large brain is connected with a ventral chain of ganglia. Compound eyes occur in one family, and simple eyes or none at all in many. The feelers, certain bristles, and portions of the skin are also sensory. The alimentary canal is straight, and the heart is a chambered dorsal vessel. Tracheae, or air tubes, open on the sides of the body and are connected to one another on each side.
Centipedes are nocturnal and remain under stones or wood during the day.
They are all carnivorous. The centipede is distinguished by a segmented body, with each segment bearing a single pair of legs. The antennae and modified front pair of legs are also segmented. Centipedes are carnivorous, using the modified legs, strong mandibles, and a poison gland to capture and kill their prey.