Centipede
Chilopoda
Quick answer
Centipedes are fast, flattened arthropods in the class Chilopoda, with long bodies divided into segments that each bear a single pair of legs. They are venomous predators that inject venom through a pair of modified front legs to subdue insects and other small prey. Found in soil and damp places worldwide, centipedes range from tiny species to giants over 30 cm (12 in) long, and many live several years.
Centipede facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Chilopoda (class) |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore (insects, spiders, small animals) |
| Habitat | Soil, leaf litter, and damp places worldwide |
| Lifespan | 1–6 years (varies by species) |
| Length | From a few mm to over 30 cm (12 in) |
| Top speed | Fast; some sprint to escape and hunt |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN, most species) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Chilopoda |
Where it lives
Soil, leaf litter, and damp places on every continent except Antarctica.
Body and legs
A centipede has a long, flattened body divided into many segments, each carrying one pair of legs, though the name 'hundred legs' is only approximate. Depending on the species, the leg count ranges from around 30 to over 350. The flattened shape lets centipedes squeeze through narrow cracks in soil, bark, and leaf litter as they hunt.
Venom and hunting
Centipedes are active predators with a pair of modified front legs called forcipules that work like fangs to inject venom. They hunt insects, spiders, worms, and, in large tropical species, even small vertebrates such as lizards and frogs. Fast and agile, they seize prey with their legs and quickly subdue it with venom.
Habitat and behavior
Centipedes live in soil, leaf litter, rotting logs, and other damp, sheltered places on every continent except Antarctica. Because they lose water easily, they are mostly nocturnal and hide during the day to avoid drying out. They are generally shy and flee from light, fleeing rapidly when their cover is disturbed.
Reproduction and lifespan
Most centipedes lay eggs in soil or rotting wood, and in some species the female guards her eggs and young until they can fend for themselves. The young hatch resembling small adults, gaining segments and legs as they molt and grow. Many centipedes are long-lived for their size, surviving several years.
Frequently asked questions about the Centipede
Do centipedes really have 100 legs?
Not exactly. The number of legs varies by species, from around 30 to more than 350, and is always an odd number of pairs. The name simply means many legs rather than precisely 100.
Are centipedes venomous?
Yes. Centipedes inject venom through a pair of modified front legs to subdue prey. A bite from a large species can be painful to humans, but most are not dangerous and prefer to flee.
What do centipedes eat?
Centipedes are carnivores that hunt insects, spiders, and worms, and large tropical species may take small vertebrates like lizards. They catch prey with their legs and subdue it with venom.
What is the difference between a centipede and a millipede?
Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, are fast, flattened predators, and are venomous. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment, are slow, rounded plant eaters, and are harmless.
Where do centipedes live?
Centipedes live in soil, leaf litter, and damp, sheltered places on every continent except Antarctica. They are mostly active at night to avoid drying out.
Are house centipedes harmful?
House centipedes are generally harmless and even useful, since they hunt insect pests indoors. They can bite if handled, but for most people the bite is mild and not dangerous.
