Centipede

Centipedes sometimes are called "hundred-leggers" because of their many pairs of legs. Even though centipedes are predaceous and therefore beneficial, most customers consider them a nuisance pest. Some species can inflict a painful bite, but it is not lethal. Centipedes are widely distributed throughout most of the United States and the world.

Recognition

Adults are about 1/8-6 inches long, elongated, flattened, and wormlike. Color is usually yellowish to dark brown, sometimes with darker stripes or markings. With one pair antennae, 14-50 segmented. Some with compound eyes, most with a cluster of simple eyes on each side of head or no eyes. Most body segments bear one pair of similar legs, except first pair behind head modified into clawlike poison jaws and last two pairs directed backward and often different in form. Pairs of legs number 15-177, with one pair per segment.

First instar centipedes usually have four pairs of legs. Additional segments and pairs of legs are added with additional molts.

Habits

Centipedes typically are found in areas of high moisture such as loose bark, in rotting logs, under stones, trash piles or leaves and grass clippings, flower-bed mulch, etc,. where their typical prey is found. Most centipedes are nocturnal or active at night.

Some centipedes, especially S. Coleoptrata, occasionally invade structures, where they survive on flies, spiders, etc. Although they may be found anywhere in a house, the usual places are damp basements, bathrooms, damp closets, and potted plants.