House Centipede (juvenile)
Scientific Name: Scutigera coleoptrata
Order & Family: Order: Scutigeromorpha, Family: Scutigeridae
Size: Adults 25 to 35 mm; juveniles are significantly smaller
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in damp, dark areas such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; feeds on spiders, bed bugs, termites, cockroaches, and silverfish.
Behavior Patterns
Fast-moving nocturnal predator; known for 'autotony' (shedding legs to escape predators).
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: Natural pest control for homes. Risks: Rarely bite humans; their venom is mild and usually comparable to a bee sting.
Identified on: 1/11/2026