House Centipede
Scientific Name: Scutigera coleoptrata
Order & Family: Scutigeromorpha; Scutigeridae
Size: Body length of 25 to 35 mm (1 to 1.5 inches) with up to 15 pairs of long legs.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in cool, damp environments such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous insectivores that eat flies, moths, silverfish, cockroaches, and spiders.
Behavior Patterns
Active hunters that are nocturnal and extremely fast-moving. They use their long legs to entrap prey.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans; while they can bite if handled, it is rare. They are beneficial to homeowners as they act as natural pest control for other household insects.
Identified on: 6/14/2026