Centipedes, those elongated arthropods with numerous legs, often evoke a sense of unease. However, these creatures are fascinating and play a vital role in controlling pest populations both indoors and outdoors. Understanding their diet and habits can help homeowners manage their presence effectively and appreciate their ecological significance.
General Information About Centipedes
Centipedes belong to the class Chilopoda, within the subphylum Myriapoda, a group that also includes millipedes. The name "centipede" comes from the Neo-Latin words "centi-" (hundred) and "pes" (foot). These creatures are metameric, meaning they have segmented bodies with one pair of legs per segment.
All centipedes possess venom, which they inject through pincer-like appendages called forcipules or toxicognaths. These are modified legs, not fangs, located on their first body segment. Centipedes primarily hunt and feed on other invertebrates, making them generalist carnivores.
They thrive in terrestrial habitats, from tropical rainforests to deserts, requiring moist microhabitats due to their lack of a waxy cuticle, which causes rapid water loss.
Physical Characteristics
Centipedes have either rounded or flattened heads with a pair of antennae at the forward margin. They also possess elongated mandibles and two pairs of maxillae. Their first pair of limbs stretches forward from the body over the mouth. While some species lack eyes, others have a variable number of ocelli, sometimes clustered to form compound eyes capable of discerning light from dark.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Each pair of legs is slightly longer than the preceding pair, preventing overlap and reducing the risk of tripping. The last pair of legs may be significantly longer, sometimes twice the length of the first. Centipedes primarily use their antennae to locate prey.
Reproduction and Development
Centipede reproduction does not involve copulation. Males deposit a spermatophore for the female to take up. In temperate climates, egg laying occurs in spring and summer. Centipedes grow their legs at different points in their development.
Some species exhibit anamorphic development, where more segments and pairs of legs are grown between molts. Others are epimorphic, meaning all pairs of legs are developed in the embryonic stages.
Centipede Diet: A Carnivorous Appetite
Centipedes are predominantly carnivorous arthropods, standing out as efficient predators of small insects and other invertebrates. Their diet reflects their adaptability and predatory prowess, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological equilibrium.
Common Prey Items
Centipedes primarily eat small insects and other invertebrates. A short list of possible prey includes:
Read also: Walnut Keto Guide
- Spiders
- Cockroaches
- Moths
- Crickets
- Earthworms
- Bed bugs
- Silverfish
- Termites
- Ants
- Other centipedes
Centipedes are nocturnal predators and use their antennae to locate prey. Once prey is located, they use their quick speed to capture, bite, and inject their prey with paralyzing venom. The bite and delivery of venom is by a pair of claws located on the centipede's first body segment. Once subdued, the prey is passed to the centipede's mouth where mandibles (teeth) enable them to chew up and consume the prey.
Dietary Preferences and Hunting Strategies
Centipede species exhibit diverse dietary preferences influenced by their size, species type, and prey availability. Some may prefer specific food sources, while others have more eclectic feeding habits. Smaller centipedes typically consume insects and small invertebrates, while larger centipedes may hunt amphibians or even small mammals.
Centipedes are armed with distinctive hunting skills, excelling as predators. Their rapid movement and nimbleness enable them to pursue potential prey swiftly, often ambushing them unexpectedly. This combination of agility and venom potency makes them proficient in capturing a vast range of prey items.
The House Centipede: A Common Indoor Predator
House centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) are common inhabitants of homes and other buildings. Native to the Mediterranean region, they were accidentally introduced into the southern United States, and now readily reproduce in heated structures.
Physical Characteristics
The house centipede is a yellowish-brown centipede with up to 15 pairs of extremely long legs, with only one pair of legs per leg-bearing body segment. The legs of house centipedes are barbed to help hold prey. Three dark stripes run along the top of the body. Adult house centipedes have 15 pair of legs with the last pair (on adult females) nearly twice the length of the body, which is one to one and one-half inches in length. This gives the centipede an overall appearance of being from three to four inches in length (including legs and antennae). Newly hatched larvae have four pair of legs, and during the next five larval molts, they will have 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 pairs of legs. There are six larval instars or molts, and four post-larval instars before the centipedes reach maturity. Females have been known to survive for several years and produce up to 150 young.
Read also: Weight Loss with Low-FODMAP
Dietary Habits
House centipedes are aggressive predators of small insects, many of which are considered pests by humans. Their diet consists of cockroach nymphs, spiders, silverfish, crickets, bedbugs, flies, moths, and earwigs. These centipedes subdue their prey with venomous fangs.
The presence of a large house centipede population may indicate an underlying pest problem. Reduction in the centipede food source is the first step in managing a house centipede population. Sticky insect traps can help determine what other types of arthropods are providing a meal for the centipedes. Harborage reduction, such as sealing cracks and crevices in concrete slabs and block walls, is also important.
Benefits and Concerns
House centipedes serve as natural enforcers of pest control in domestic environments. They feed on a multitude of indoor pests, including insects like silverfish and firebrats, carpet beetle larvae, cockroaches, and spiders. Their presence can often indicate a larger issue with pests, as they are drawn into houses by the plentiful prey.
While house centipedes might have a disturbing look, they provide significant advantages as predators of destructive insects. However, their fast movement and long legs may frighten some people.
Centipedes in the Garden: Ecological Role
Centipedes found outdoors are voracious carnivores, feasting on various insects and small invertebrates. Their eclectic diet reflects the array of available prey within their environment.
Garden Diet
Centipedes in gardens feed on a variety of soil-dwelling insects, larvae, worms, and slugs. Their presence signifies an active ecosystem where natural pest control mechanisms are effectively functioning.
Ecological Importance
Centipedes are essential in maintaining the ecosystem’s equilibrium by regulating the numbers of small invertebrate populations. By curbing pest populations, they play a significant role in sustaining their environments.
Exceptional Predatory Strategies
Some species of centipedes are distinguished by their exceptional predatory strategies. Notably, the Giant Sonoran Centipede (Scolopendra heros) can ambush and feed on substantial animals.
Giant Centipedes
Species of Scolopendromorph, noticeably members from the genera Scolopendra and Ethmostigmus, are able to hunt for substantial prey items, including large invertebrates and sizable vertebrates.
For instance, Scolopendra gigantea (the Amazonian giant centipede) preys on tarantulas, scorpions, lizards, frogs, birds, mice, snakes, and even bats, catching them in midflight.
Cannibalism
Various species of centipedes have exhibited cannibalistic tendencies, with bigger specimens preying on their smaller or wounded counterparts. This behavior reflects their capacity to adjust and persist, guaranteeing that the most robust members prosper.
Centipedes and Human Interaction
Centipedes, including house centipedes, are arthropods and relatives of spiders and scorpions, not insects. They usually inhabit dark, moist areas, and their appearance in a house may cause discomfort.
Preventing Infestations
To decrease the likelihood of centipedes taking up residence inside a home, it’s important to pinpoint how they’re getting in and address excessive moisture issues. They are particularly drawn to environments offering nourishment, humidity, and concealment. Sealing openings or cracks on the outside of the house, maintaining cleanliness in outdoor spaces, and reducing humidity can help prevent infestations.
Addressing Infestations
When addressing current infestations, consider using chemicals such as baits, aerosols and powders only as a final measure. Natural strategies for eliminating centipedes encompass applying diatomaceous earth that disrupts their outer shell causing them to dehydrate. In situations where a substantial infestation occurs, it’s wise to seek assistance from a professional in pest management.
Are Centipedes Dangerous?
Despite the fact that centipedes possess pincers and are capable of biting, their bites tend to be non-critical and seldom lead to any grave health complications. While a bite from a centipede may result in some discomfort, it’s rare for an individual to have an allergic reaction.
Centipede Myths and Facts
Centipedes have crawled their way into myths, legends, and even Hollywood blockbusters, where they’re both feared and revered. In Japanese folklore, the giant centipede Ōmukade is a terrifying monster defeated by a heroic warrior, symbolizing bravery and protection from evil. While centipedes often show up as the ultimate “creepy-crawly” in movies and TV shows to make audiences squirm, some cultures view them as symbols of healing and transformation, given their connection to the natural world.