Centipedes: Characteristics, Diet, Facts & More [Fact Sheet]

Centipedes are one of the most intriguing and misunderstood creatures on the planet. With their elongated, segmented bodies and a large number of legs, they evoke a sense of wonder and, for some, a measure of unease.

As members of the arthropod phylum, centipedes have fascinated biologists, naturalists, and wildlife enthusiasts for centuries. This article aims to shed light on the intricate world of centipedes, covering everything from their biological classification to their unique lifestyle.

Centipedes at a Glance

Classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Myriapoda (Myriapods)
Class:	Chilopoda
Order:	Varies
Family:	Varies
Genus:	Varies
Species:	Varies

Essential Information

Average Size:	1 to 12 inches (2.5 to 30 cm)
Average Weight:	< 1 oz (< 28 grams)
Average Lifespan:	3-7 years
Geographical Range:	Worldwide except Antarctica
Conservation Status:	Generally Least Concern

Species and Subspecies

There are more than 8,000 species of centipedes divided into five orders: Scutigeromorpha, Lithobiomorpha, Craterostigmomorpha, Scolopendromorpha, and Geophilomorpha.

• Scutigeromorpha: Also known as the house centipedes, they have long, slender legs and are commonly found in human habitats.
• Lithobiomorpha: These centipedes have shorter legs compared to Scutigeromorpha and usually inhabit gardens and woodland areas.
• Craterostigmomorpha: This is the rarest order and is primarily found in Australia and New Zealand.
• Scolopendromorpha: These are the larger, more menacing species, often with bright coloration to warn off predators.
• Geophilomorpha: Also known as earth centipedes, they have elongated bodies with many legs and tend to burrow in the ground.

The different orders and species vary significantly in terms of size, habitat, and diet. For example, some species like the house centipede are more accustomed to human habitats, whereas species like the Amazonian giant centipede prefer more natural, tropical environments.

Description

Centipedes possess elongated, segmented bodies covered by a tough exoskeleton. They range in size from a mere 1 inch (2.5 cm) up to a staggering 12 inches (30 cm) in some tropical species. The color palette varies from drab browns and blacks to vivid reds, oranges, and yellows, often serving as a warning sign to potential predators.

One of the most distinctive features of centipedes is, of course, their multitude of legs. Contrary to what their name might suggest (“centi-” meaning hundred), centipedes can have as few as 30 or as many as 354 legs depending on the species.

Importantly, unlike millipedes, each segment of a centipede’s body typically bears only one pair of legs. The front-most legs act as venomous fangs used to paralyze their prey, indicating their predatory nature.

There is some degree of sexual dimorphism in certain species, where females may be larger and have longer body segments compared to males. However, this is not a universal trait across all centipede species.

Habitat and Distribution

Centipedes are incredibly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of environments across the globe, from tropical rainforests and deserts to temperate woodlands and human residences.

The only place you’re unlikely to find them is Antarctica. Different species have adapted to various habitats; for instance, Geophilomorpha are soil-dwellers, whereas Scutigeromorpha are more likely to be found in your home.

Behavior

Generally speaking, most centipedes are nocturnal creatures, preferring to hunt and roam during the cooler, darker hours. They are primarily solitary and do not form packs or communities. Centipedes are voracious predators and are known to be quite aggressive when it comes to securing a meal.

As far as communication is concerned, centipedes are relatively solitary creatures and do not exhibit complex communication behaviors. However, some species do engage in simple tactile communication, mainly during mating.

They may also release pheromones to signal their presence to other members of the same species, but this area is still a subject of ongoing research.

Some centipedes also display escape behaviors, such as rapid, erratic movements and auto-amputation of legs to distract and escape predators.

Whether it’s their unique anatomy, their diverse habitats, or their often misunderstood behaviors, centipedes remain one of the most fascinating subjects in the realm of arthropods.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

Centipedes are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes insects, spiders, and even small vertebrates like lizards and mice. Some larger species are known to hunt frogs and small birds.

They employ their venomous front-most legs, often referred to as ‘forcipules,’ to inject venom into their prey, effectively paralyzing it for easier consumption.

Hunting behaviors vary among species but are generally ambush-based. Centipedes use their excellent senses of touch and, in some cases, smell to locate their prey.

Once a target is identified, they move quickly to seize and immobilize it. Some species have been observed to engage in more active hunting, especially those adapted to desert environments where prey is scarce.

Predators

Centipedes, despite being predators, also have their own set of natural enemies. These include larger insects, birds, mammals like shrews, and even other centipedes.

Some species of frogs and toads are also known to eat centipedes. Their bright coloration in some species serves as a warning sign indicating that they are not an ideal meal, but this doesn’t deter all predators.

The centipede’s quick and agile movement, along with its ability to hide in narrow cracks and crevices, aids in its defense. Some can also secrete toxic substances as a form of chemical defense, making them less appealing to potential predators.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Centipedes lay eggs. The reproductive strategies of centipedes can vary significantly from one species to another. Generally, males deposit a spermatophore for the female to find and take up into her body for fertilization. In some species, a courtship dance may be involved.

Depending on the species and environmental conditions, a female can lay between 10 and 50 eggs, often depositing them in a moist, protected environment. Some species exhibit parental care, with the mother guarding the eggs until they hatch.

Upon hatching, the young centipedes resemble miniature adults but with a fewer number of legs. As they grow, they undergo a series of molts, each time gaining more body segments and more pairs of legs until they reach maturity. The lifespan of a centipede can range from 1 to 6 years, depending on the species and environmental factors.

Conservation and Threats

The conservation status of centipedes largely varies by species and location. Many species are not yet evaluated due to a lack of comprehensive data.

However, they are generally not considered to be endangered or vulnerable. Some species that inhabit specific ecological niches or isolated geographical locations may face threats from habitat loss and pollution.

There is no widespread, specific conservation program targeted solely at centipedes, but they do benefit from broader environmental protection efforts aimed at preserving biodiversity and natural habitats.

Fun Facts

1. Leg Count: Despite their name, which translates to “hundred legs,” most centipedes do not have 100 legs. The number can range from 30 to 354 depending on the species.
2. Venomous Bites: While a bite from a centipede can be painful, it is generally not lethal to humans. However, the venom can be potent enough to kill small prey.
3. Speedsters: Centipedes are incredibly fast for their size and can cover ground quickly when hunting or evading predators.
4. Night Owls: Many species of centipedes are nocturnal, preferring to hunt and move around under the cover of darkness.
5. Cannibalistic Tendencies: Under certain conditions, centipedes can resort to cannibalism, especially if food is scarce.

Frequently Asked Questions