Centipedes are common invertebrates that can sometimes find their way into homes. Knowing what baby centipedes look like helps with identification, especially when encountering small, multi-legged creatures. Recognizing their distinct features allows for accurate identification.
Understanding Baby Centipede Appearance
Baby centipedes, often called larvae or juveniles, share many characteristics with their adult counterparts but are notably smaller. They typically measure only a few millimeters in length when newly hatched. Their bodies are elongated and segmented, maintaining the characteristic flattened shape seen in mature centipedes.
Their coloration can vary, often appearing paler or more translucent than adults, though some may have similar but less vibrant hues. Despite their small size, young centipedes possess antennae and visible forcipules, which are specialized pincer-like appendages near their mouthparts. These structures are used for capturing prey and injecting venom.
Key Differences from Adult Centipedes
The primary distinction between baby and adult centipedes lies in their size and the number of leg pairs. Many centipede species exhibit a developmental process known as anamorphism. This means they hatch with fewer body segments and leg pairs than adults, progressively adding more with each molt.
For instance, some house centipede larvae hatch with as few as four pairs of legs, gradually increasing this number through several molting stages until they reach the adult count, which can be up to 15 pairs. This gradual acquisition of legs and segments is a defining feature of their growth, unlike the fixed leg count of many adult insects.
Identifying Baby Centipedes from Other Small Invertebrates
Distinguishing baby centipedes from other small invertebrates is possible by focusing on their unique characteristics. Millipedes, for example, are often confused with centipedes but have two pairs of legs per body segment, giving them a more rounded, cylindrical appearance, and they move more slowly with an undulating motion. Centipedes, even as juveniles, possess only one pair of legs per segment, have flatter bodies, and move with a quicker, more agile gait.
Silverfish, another common household invertebrate, differ significantly in body shape and leg structure. Silverfish have a teardrop-shaped body, typically silvery-gray scales, and only three pairs of legs. They also feature three long, tail-like appendages at their rear, which are absent in centipedes. The distinct segmented body and numerous leg pairs of a baby centipede set them apart from most other small insects.