CENTIPEDES Resources

How To Identify Centipedes

Centipedes exhibit a distinctive appearance characterized by their long, segmented bodies. They range in size from a few centimeters to several inches, with some tropical species growing exceptionally large. Each body segment typically bears a pair of legs, although the number of legs varies among species, and they can range from 30 to over 300 legs. These legs are slender and delicate, often giving the centipede an undulating, graceful movement. The head segment houses a pair of prominent, venomous fangs known as forcipules, which are used to capture and immobilize prey. Centipedes come in a variety of colors, including shades of brown, reddish-brown, and sometimes even vibrant hues like green or blue. Their bodies are usually flattened, aiding in their ability to squeeze into tight crevices and navigate through their habitat. This combination of elongated, segmented bodies, numerous legs, and venomous forcipules makes centipedes easily distinguishable from other arthropods like millipedes or insects.