{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "centipede",
  "name": "Centipede",
  "scientificName": "Chilopoda",
  "category": "Invertebrate",
  "summary": "Centipedes (class Chilopoda) are fast, venomous invertebrate predators recognised by their long, flattened bodies and many legs, one pair per body segment. Found in soil, leaf litter, and damp places worldwide, they range from a few millimetres to over 30 cm (12 in) long and run swiftly on their many legs to catch insects, spiders, and other small animals. Most species live 1 to 6 years and are listed as Least Concern.",
  "conservationStatus": "Least Concern",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Arthropoda",
    "class": "Chilopoda",
    "order": null,
    "family": null,
    "genus": null
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 0.01,
    "lengthM": 0.15,
    "topSpeedKmh": 1.8,
    "lifespanYears": 5
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Chilopoda (class)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore (insects, spiders, small animals)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Soil, leaf litter, and damp places worldwide"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "1–6 years (varies by species)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Length",
      "value": "From a few mm to over 30 cm (12 in)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "Fast; some sprint to escape and hunt"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Least Concern (IUCN, most species)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Soil, leaf litter, and damp places on every continent except Antarctica.",
    "continents": [
      "Africa",
      "Asia",
      "Europe",
      "North America",
      "South America",
      "Oceania"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "citation": "IUCN Red List — Chilopoda.",
      "url": "https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Chilopoda&searchType=species"
    },
    {
      "citation": "Wikipedia — Centipede.",
      "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centipede"
    }
  ],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/centipede/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/centipede/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}