
Community identification
Centipede
Varies (Myriapoda, Chilopoda)
- Order & Family
- Chilopoda (Centipedes)
- Size
- Typically 1-6 cm, but some tropical species can exceed 30 cm.
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.