Soil Centipede
Scientific Name: Geophilomorpha (order)
Order & Family: Order: Geophilomorpha; various families including Geophilidae
Size: Typically 1 to 4 inches (25 to 100 mm) in length, though some species vary.
Natural Habitat
Found in soil, leaf litter, under rocks, and in rotting wood where moisture is high.
Diet & Feeding
Predatory; they feed on small soil invertebrates such as insect larvae, earthworms, and mites.
Behavior Patterns
They are burrowing, subterranean creatures with long, slender bodies and many pairs of legs (35 to over 170). They are blind and rely on sensory hairs to navigate and find prey.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: They are beneficial to the ecosystem as decomposers and predators that help control soil pests. Risks: They are generally harmless to humans, though they can deliver a weak venomous nip if handled roughly, which is less potent than larger centipedes.
Identified on: 3/13/2026