Centipedes
What are they?
Centipedes are found throughout the world in a wide range of habitats. They are often confused with millipedes but generally differ in two main ways; centipedes are carnivorous, while millipedes are vegetarian or detritivores (feeding on dead organic matter). This is indicated in the fact that millipedes tend to be slow moving while centipedes run much more quickly. Secondly, despite their name, centipedes do not have one hundred legs - and millipedes certainly don't have a million! Centipedes usually have one pair of legs per body segment, while millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment.
Identification
Many centipedes can only be identified to species by careful microscopy and study of minute details. This site cannot give identification to that level for the smaller, confusing species.
House Centipede Scutigera coleoptrata
Common in houses (especially basements) and a wide range of other buildings. May also be found out of doors during the summer. A distinctive species with long legs that characteristically runs very fast when disturbed or when chasing down prey.
 |
|
|
| |