Centipedes are predatory arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda. The term “myriapod” translates to “many-legged,” describing these creatures with numerous legs. Centipedes are characterized by their elongated, segmented bodies, with each segment typically bearing one pair of legs. Their ancient lineage is evident in a fossil record dating back approximately 430 million years. Despite their common name, which suggests a hundred feet, no centipede species possesses exactly 100 legs; the number of leg pairs is always an odd number, generally ranging from 15 to 191.
Physical Capabilities
Centipedes’ physical structure facilitates agile movement. Their bodies are composed of multiple flattened segments, each supporting a single pair of jointed legs. This segmented design, coupled with a hard exoskeleton made of chitin, provides both protection for internal organs and anchor points for their muscles. Their numerous legs allow for swift movement through tight spaces, such as leaf litter or crevices.
Their legs progressively lengthen further from the head, contributing to balance and agility. Furthermore, centipedes possess the ability to regenerate lost legs.
Centipedes primarily rely on their long, prominent antennae to perceive their environment. These antennae detect scents and feel their way through surroundings. While some species may have simple eyes or even no eyes at all, others, like the house centipede, are equipped with large, well-developed compound eyes, aiding in their perception. Respiration occurs through spiracles, small openings located along the sides of their bodies, which connect to an internal tracheal system. The last pair of legs often trails behind the body and can function as supplementary antennae, allowing the centipede to sense its surroundings even when backing up.
Hunting and Feeding
Centipedes are primarily carnivorous predators, hunting and subduing prey. They locate meals using sensitive antennae to detect vibrations and chemical cues from potential prey. Once prey is identified, centipedes pursue it with speed and agility. Their primary tools for capturing and incapacitating prey are their forcipules, which are modified legs located just behind the head. These pincer-like appendages are equipped with sharp claws and contain venom glands.
When a centipede strikes, it uses its forcipules to inject venom into the prey, effectively paralyzing or killing it. This venom quickly immobilizes the victim. Centipedes are generalist predators, feeding on a variety of organisms they can overpower. Their diet typically includes insects like cockroaches and spiders, as well as other small invertebrates. Larger centipede species can even prey on small vertebrates, such as lizards or rodents.
Interaction with Humans
While centipedes are formidable predators, they are generally not aggressive towards humans. Encounters typically occur when centipedes are disturbed, threatened, or accidentally handled, leading to a defensive bite. The impact of a centipede bite on humans varies by species and individual sensitivity.
Common effects of a centipede bite include localized pain, swelling, and redness at the bite site. These symptoms are usually mild to moderate and resolve within a few hours to a few days. Although severe reactions are rare, some individuals may experience more intense pain, numbness, itching, or even systemic symptoms like headache, nausea, or dizziness, particularly from bites by larger tropical species. If bitten, it is recommended to clean the affected area with soap and water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Centipedes sometimes enter human dwellings, especially in search of moisture or prey. They prefer damp, dark environments, making basements, bathrooms, and cluttered areas attractive. To minimize encounters, it is advisable to reduce moisture in homes, seal cracks and openings in foundations and walls, and remove potential hiding spots like leaf litter or debris near the house. Understanding their behavior and taking precautions can help manage interactions.