Centipede

Scientific Name: Varies (Myriapoda, Chilopoda)

Order & Family: Chilopoda (Centipedes)

Size: Typically 1-6 cm, but some tropical species can exceed 30 cm.

Centipede

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark places such as under rocks, logs, leaf litter, in soil, and sometimes in basements or crawl spaces.

Diet & Feeding

Predatory; they feed on other arthropods like insects, spiders, and occasionally small vertebrates. They use venom to subdue their prey.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, solitary hunters. They move quickly and have a flattened body, allowing them to squeeze into tight spaces. They lay eggs, usually in soil or rotten wood.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can inflict a painful bite if handled, due to venomous fangs. The venom is generally not dangerous to humans but can cause localized pain, swelling, and redness. Benefits: They are natural predators of various insect pests, helping to control their populations in gardens and homes.

Identified on: 10/3/2025