Centipedes are common household arthropods, often prompting questions about their vulnerability to water. Understanding their biology, especially their respiratory system, is key to comprehending how water impacts them and the effectiveness of attempting to “drown” them.
Centipede Breathing Systems
Centipedes possess a unique respiratory system that differs significantly from that of mammals. They do not have lungs; instead, they breathe through a network of tubes called tracheae. These internal tubes transport gases directly to and from their tissues. Air enters this tracheal system through small external openings located on nearly every segment of their body, known as spiracles.
Some centipede species, specifically Scutigeromorpha, have spiracles located dorsally, which open into “tracheal lungs,” a specialized part of their tracheal system. For most centipedes, these spiracles are positioned laterally along their body segments, allowing for direct oxygen uptake from the atmosphere. This system enables efficient gas exchange, with oxygen being taken in and carbon dioxide expelled.
How Water Affects Centipedes
Water directly impacts a centipede’s respiratory system by obstructing its spiracles. When a centipede is submerged, water blocks these external openings, preventing air from entering the internal tracheal tubes. This blockage leads to a lack of oxygen reaching the centipede’s cells and tissues. While they do not “drown” in the same manner as a mammal, where water fills the lungs, the outcome is similar: suffocation due to oxygen deprivation.
Centipedes are primarily terrestrial creatures that require atmospheric oxygen to survive. Their bodies are not adapted for underwater respiration; they lack gills or other mechanisms to extract oxygen from water. Some species are found near water sources and can endure short periods of submersion, but they ultimately need to reach a land surface to breathe.
The Efficacy of Drowning Centipedes
Drowning can be an effective method to eliminate centipedes, though it is often not immediate. Some centipedes, however, can hold their breath for a short time, potentially up to a minute or so, before needing air. There are even rare exceptions, such as certain species found in flood-prone areas or caves, that can survive underwater for several days by entering a state of reduced activity.
For typical household centipedes, prolonged submersion, such as being flushed down a toilet, is highly likely to be fatal. The turbulent environment of plumbing combined with continuous water exposure makes survival improbable for these air-breathing arthropods. While drowning is a viable method, it may not be the most practical or immediate solution for pest control, as it requires sustained submersion. Other methods, such as addressing moisture issues in the home or using insecticides, are often more efficient for managing centipede populations.