A centipede is a predatory arthropod, not an insect, belonging to the class Chilopoda. These creatures are solitary hunters characterized by their elongated, segmented bodies and one pair of legs per segment. Centipedes do not construct nests or build complex structures like social insects such as bees or ants. Centipedes rely entirely on existing natural features for shelter and reproduction.
Do Centipedes Build Structures
The term “nest” suggests a structure deliberately built by an animal for long-term habitation or communal living. Centipedes lack the biological drive, physical means, and social structure for this kind of construction. They are solitary animals that do not form colonies, making a permanent dwelling unnecessary.
Centipedes are active, rapid predators that utilize temporary hiding spots throughout their environment. Their flattened bodies and flexible legs are adapted for moving through small crevices and existing tunnels, not for excavation. They simply occupy suitable microhabitats that already exist in their surroundings.
Centipede Habitat and Shelter
Centipedes are vulnerable to water loss because they lack the waxy, water-resistant cuticle found on many insects. This physiological constraint dictates that they must live in microhabitats with high humidity to avoid desiccation. They are predominantly nocturnal, avoiding direct sunlight and resting during the day in secluded, damp locations.
Centipede shelter consists of existing features like the underside of rocks, decaying logs, and leaf litter. Their flexible bodies allow them to squeeze into tight crevices, soil galleries, and under bark. When they enter human structures, they seek out similarly moist, dark areas such as damp basements and crawl spaces.
Maternal Care and Egg Protection
The behavior most often mistaken for nesting is the unique, temporary parental care exhibited by some female centipedes. When ready to lay eggs, the female finds a secluded, protected cavity, often a small burrow or void under an object. She deposits a clutch of 10 to 60 eggs in this hidden, moist area.
The mother then exhibits a rare form of parental care by coiling her body tightly around the eggs and newly hatched young, forming a protective “brooding ball.” This behavior shields the vulnerable eggs from predators and protects them from mold and fungus. She often grooms the eggs and young to keep them clean. The female remains coiled around them for several weeks or months until the young are developed enough to disperse.