Centipedes are present in Arizona, thriving across various environments. The state hosts several species, from smaller types to larger desert dwellers. While many centipedes remain unnoticed, one species is widely recognized for its size and appearance. This article covers common Arizona centipede species, their habitats, and safety recommendations.
Common Arizona Centipede Species
The Sonoran Desert Centipede, also known as the Giant Desert Centipede (Scolopendra heros or Scolopendra polymorpha), is a notable species in Arizona. It is the largest centipede in North America, typically reaching 6 to 9 inches in length. Its distinctive appearance often includes an orange body with a black head and tail, and yellowish legs, serving as warning coloration. Other color variations exist, such as reddish bodies with yellow legs or entirely black bodies with red heads and tails.
The Common Desert Centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) is a frequently encountered species, usually measuring 4 to 7 inches. Its highly variable coloration earns it nicknames like “tiger centipede” or “multicolored centipede,” with shades from light brown to bluish tints, often with dark stripes. The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata or Dendrothereua homa) is smaller, 1 to 2 inches, with a yellowish body, dark stripes, and 15 pairs of long legs, resembling a spider due to its delicate appendages.
Habitat and Behavior
Centipedes prefer moist, cool, and dark environments, often seeking shelter under rocks, logs, leaf litter, or debris during the day. They are nocturnal predators, most active at night when hunting for food. Their diet consists of insects and arthropods, but larger species like the Giant Desert Centipede also prey on small animals such as lizards, frogs, rodents, and small snakes.
Centipedes use pincer-like appendages called forcipules or gnathopods to inject venom into prey. While typically outdoors, centipedes may occasionally enter dwellings seeking moisture or shelter. They might be found in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, crawlspaces, sheds, or garages.
Encountering Centipedes: Safety and Management
Centipede bites can be painful but are rarely life-threatening. A bite, which is actually a pinch from its venom-injecting forcipules, typically results in immediate localized pain, redness, and swelling. Symptoms usually subside within 48 hours.
If a bite occurs, wash the affected area with soap and water to minimize infection. Applying a cold compress or ice pack can help reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines may alleviate discomfort. Seek medical attention if pain becomes unbearable, if there are signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve after 48 hours.
To manage centipedes around the home, reduce moisture by fixing leaky pipes, using dehumidifiers in damp areas, and ensuring proper drainage around the foundation. Sealing cracks and gaps in foundations, walls, doors, and windows prevents entry. Removing outdoor debris like leaf piles, wood stacks, and rocks near the home eliminates hiding spots and food sources. If a centipede is found indoors, safely remove it by sweeping it into a container and releasing it outside, rather than handling it directly.