Centipedes are common arthropods found across the United States. These multi-legged invertebrates belong to the class Chilopoda and are predatory creatures that hunt other small animals.
Widespread Presence Across the US
Centipedes are present in nearly all US states, demonstrating a broad geographical distribution. Their concentration and the dominant species encountered can vary significantly depending on the climate of a particular region. Centipedes easily lose water from their bodies, leading them to prefer warm, humid environments. This preference results in a higher prevalence of centipedes in the southern, southeastern, and southwestern states.
The southeastern United States, with its characteristic warmth, high humidity, and abundant rainfall, offers an ideal environment for many centipede species. In contrast, arid and semi-arid regions of the Southwest, such as parts of New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas, also host significant centipede populations. While these areas may seem dry, centipedes in such climates adapt by seeking out localized pockets of moisture. They will often remain underground during warm daylight hours and emerge during cloudy weather or at night to avoid desiccation.
Centipedes exhibit a remarkable adaptability to various climates, thriving even in diverse habitats like deserts. However, even within these drier regions, their presence is almost always confined to damp, moist, and humid micro-locations. Larger species, such as the giant redheaded centipede (Scolopendra heros), are notably found in the southern half of the country, particularly in the south-central states like Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, and Louisiana, as well as New Mexico and Arizona. This broad distribution underscores their ability to find suitable conditions across varied American landscapes.
Regional and Habitat Preferences
Centipedes inhabit diverse environments, from forests and grasslands to deserts and urban settings. A consistent factor is their preference for dark, damp places, providing moisture and shelter. Outdoors, preferred micro-habitats include areas under rocks, decaying logs, leaf litter, loose soil, and under tree bark.
Habitat preferences vary regionally. In deserts, centipedes like the giant desert centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) seek refuge in deep burrows or under rocks and logs to escape heat and dryness. In forested regions, they thrive in humid conditions within leaf litter and decaying wood, which offer moisture and prey. Some species are restricted to moist caves.
Centipedes frequently enter human dwellings, seeking shelter or moisture. Common indoor sightings occur in damp basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and cellars, mimicking their preferred outdoor conditions. The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is well-adapted to indoor environments and can reside inside homes year-round. They typically enter structures through cracks, foundation gaps, or around doors and windows. Their presence often indicates an underlying moisture issue, as they are drawn to high humidity.