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Minibeast Profiles: Centipedes
by Gary A. Dunn, M.S., F.R.E.S., Director of Education
Centipedes (members of the arthropod class Chilopoda) are somewhat similar to millipedes; however they possess only one pair of legs per body segment and usually have a more-or-less flattened body. A typical centipede is 40 to 50 mm (1.5 to 2 inches) long with 15 or more pairs of legs. A single pair of long antennae are located on the head. They are generally able to run rapidly and can often be seen scurrying across the ground looking for prey or a suitable hiding place. They are generally long-lived, with some species living up to 6 years. During the day centipedes can be found in leaf piles and compost heaps, in rotting logs, or under stones and debris. At night they become very active and wander about in search of prey.
Centipedes are strictly predaceous, and feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrate animals. They have poison glands and a pair of jaws made from modified legs to assist them in subduing their prey. The smaller species of northern North America generally do not (usually cannot) bite humans, but some of the larger southern and western species are capable of giving a painful bite. Should a bite occur, it is generally no more serious or painful than a bee sting. However, there are reports of some tropical species causing serious illness and even death.
Most species of centipedes prefer to be outdoors and only occasionally enter homes. The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is different from other North American centipedes in that it prefers the indoor environment. This centipede is native to the southern United States and Mexico, and has been able to expand its' range northward and eastward because of its ability to invade and live within human dwellings. It is now very common in New England and the north central states. Unlike most other centipedes this species is capable of breeding indoors. They favor houses with crawl spaces or damp basements, but they may be found from time to time in just about any type of dwelling. The house centipede is quite distinctive in appearance. It is 1 to 1.75 inches long with 15 pairs of very long, slender legs (however, the various immature stages have 5 to 13 pairs). The head bears a single pair of long antennae and eyes. The grayish-yellow body has three dorsal longitudinal stripes and the legs are banded with white. The house centipede is very swift and agile. They often move so fast that it is difficult to get a good idea of what they actually look like. They run rapidly with the aid of their long legs, often stopping suddenly and remaining motionless. They prey upon many species of insects and spiders (many of which are household pests), paralyzing them with a pair of special poison jaws located on the underside of the body immediately behind the head. They are capable of detaching their legs if grabbed by a prospective prey or a natural enemy.
The house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata
REFERENCES
If you would like to learn more about centipedes, I recommend the following books:
- Centipede (Bugs). Karen Povey. KidHaven Press/Thomson Gale. Farmington Hills MI . 2004.
- Discovering Centipedes and Millipedes. Ken Preston-Mafham. The Bookwrights Press. New York. 1990.
| This educational resource was prepared by the Young Entomologists Society, 6907 West Grand River Ave., Lansing MI 48906-9131, phone/fax 517-886-0630, e-mail YESbugs@aol.com. Support minibeast youth education - join Y.E.S. today! |