Centipedes, with their elongated bodies and numerous legs, are predatory arthropods known for their remarkable speed and swift, agile movements. These movements are crucial for both hunting prey and evading predators.
Centipede Speed
The speed of centipedes varies significantly between species, especially the common house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata. This species can travel up to 1.3 feet per second (0.4 meters per second), which translates to approximately 16 inches per second. If a house centipede were scaled up to human size, it could theoretically reach speeds of around 42 miles per hour.
Other centipede species also exhibit impressive speeds. For instance, some of the fastest centipedes in the world have been recorded running up to 40 centimeters per second. The Amazonian giant centipede, Scolopendra gigantea, the largest centipede species, can reach speeds of about 3.3 kilometers per hour (2 miles per hour). This speed, combined with their large size and venom, makes them capable of preying on various animals, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Centipedes generally move much faster than millipedes, which have shorter legs tucked under their bodies and are typically slower.
Factors Affecting Speed
Several biological and environmental factors influence a centipede’s speed.
Physical Characteristics
Species variation is a primary determinant; centipedes are built for speed, with flattened bodies and legs that splay out sideways, enabling a rapid rowing motion. The number of legs and their coordination play a significant role. While the name “centipede” suggests 100 legs, the actual number of leg pairs varies by species, always being an odd number, ranging from 15 to 191 pairs.
House centipedes, for example, have 15 pairs of legs, which progressively increase in length towards the rear, helping to prevent tangling and providing maximum propulsion. These legs move in a synchronized, wave-like pattern, allowing for efficient locomotion. Body size also affects speed, with larger species like Scolopendra gigantea capable of covering more ground, though not necessarily faster in terms of body lengths per second than smaller, more agile species.
Purpose and Environment
The purpose of movement, whether hunting prey or escaping danger, dictates the intensity and duration of their speed. Environmental conditions, such as temperature and terrain, also impact their performance. Centipede activity can be influenced by temperature. Rough terrain can decrease their speed, as they adapt their limb-stepping patterns to navigate uneven surfaces.