Stone centipede

Natural Habitat

Damp environments like leaf litter, under rocks, logs, and in soil; often found in gardens and forests.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds on soft-bodied insects, spiders, woodlice, and earthworms, using venomous forcipules to paralyze prey.

Behavior Patterns

Fast-moving nocturnal hunter with 15 pairs of legs; uses long antennae to sense surroundings and retreat into crevices when disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

Generally beneficial for pest control in gardens. While they possess venom, they rarely bite humans unless handled, and the bite is typically comparable to a wasp sting.

Identified on: 3/28/2026