Centipede: Key Facts & Natural History

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.

By Kaiser Khan , Founder Last reviewed July 10, 2026 How we research & review

Key takeaway

Overview

Biology

Centipede (Chilopoda) is classified as Invertebrate with conservation status Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.01 kg; lifespan around 1–6 years (varies by species).

Ecology

Diet: Carnivore (insects, spiders, small animals). Habitat: Soil, leaf litter, and damp places worldwide. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures.

People and this species

Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild individuals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.

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.

Research notes

Figures for centipedes (Chilopoda) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.

Practical takeaways

If you encounter centipedes in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Least Concern) when discussing conservation.

Sources

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