Two systems most directly interact in the fuzzy millipede's defense against ants are :
muscular and integumentary
Step-by-step explanation:
- The fuzzy millipede, Polyxenus fasciculatus, is found in Texas and is preyed upon by most species of ants.
- Most millipedes defend themselves with a variety of chemicals secreted from pores along the body, although the tiny bristle millipedes are covered with tufts of detachable bristles.
- Due to their lack of speed and their inability to bite or sting, millipedes' primary defence mechanism is to curl into a tight coil – protecting their delicate legs inside an armoured exoskeleton.
- Reproduction in most species is carried out by modified male legs called gonopods, which transfer packets of sperm to females.
- Millipedes overwinter, so they may hide in cracks or crevices throughout the whole winter and emerge in the spring.
- These insects live in dark, damp places and feed on decaying plant life, sometimes damaging crops. But they can serve a good purpose too.
- To protect itself against the ants, it ejects fibers from a tuft located at the tail end of its body. When an ant attacks, the millipede flexes its back end toward the ant and wipes the tufts against it.