Centipedes are elongated, multi-legged arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda. They are found all over the world, from damp forests and deserts to urban basements. Despite their name meaning “hundred legs,” most centipedes have between 30 and 300 legs, depending on the species. Their flexible bodies allow them to move quickly through soil, leaf litter, and crevices, making them excellent hunters.
These creatures are carnivorous and use venom to capture and paralyze their prey. Their first pair of legs has evolved into pincer-like claws, called forcipules, which inject venom into insects, spiders, and other small animals. Centipedes play an important ecological role by controlling pest populations, keeping natural ecosystems in balance.
Most centipedes are nocturnal and prefer dark, moist environments where they can hide during the day. They are sensitive to dehydration, which is why they are often found under rocks, logs, or in soil. Their diet and behavior vary by habitat, but nearly all species are solitary predators that rely on speed and stealth.
Though centipedes can bite if provoked, most species are harmless to humans. The pain from a bite can be intense but usually subsides within a few hours. Larger tropical species, however, can deliver more potent venom, causing localized swelling or allergic reactions. Still, they rarely pose any serious threat to people.
Types of Centipedes
House Centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata)
The House Centipede is one of the most common species found in human homes. With its long, delicate legs and quick movements, it can look intimidating, but it’s actually harmless to humans. It usually feeds on pests like cockroaches, spiders, and termites.
Giant Desert Centipede (Scolopendra heros)
This large, colorful centipede is native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It can reach up to 8 inches in length and has powerful venom used to subdue prey such as insects, small lizards, and even rodents. Its bold orange and black coloring serves as a warning to predators.
Amazonian Giant Centipede (Scolopendra gigantea)
One of the largest centipedes in the world, this species can grow over 12 inches long. Found in the rainforests of South America, it preys on insects, frogs, birds, and even small mammals. Its strong venom and speed make it a top invertebrate predator in its environment.
Tanzanian Blue Ring Centipede (Ethmostigmus trigonopodus)
Known for its striking blue or turquoise rings, this African species is both beautiful and intimidating. It can grow up to 8 inches long and has a strong bite. Despite its fearsome look, it plays an important ecological role by keeping insect populations in check.
Vietnamese Centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes)
This aggressive and fast-moving centipede is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its reddish-brown body and yellow legs. It’s a strong predator capable of overpowering large insects and small vertebrates. Though venomous, its bite is rarely dangerous to humans but can be very painful.
Mediterranean Band Centipede (Scolopendra cingulata)
Found in southern Europe and North Africa, this species has a distinctive banded pattern of yellow and brown. It thrives in warm, rocky areas and uses its venom to hunt beetles and other small arthropods. Its manageable size, usually under 6 inches, makes it one of the smaller members of its genus.
Tiger Centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha)
Native to North America, the Tiger Centipede earns its name from its orange and black striped body. It prefers dry, open habitats like deserts and grasslands. Though it has venomous claws, it’s not considered dangerous to humans and helps control pest populations.
Chinese Red-Headed Centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans)
This striking centipede has a bright red head and greenish body, making it instantly recognizable. It’s common in East Asia and can grow up to 8 inches long. Highly venomous and fast-moving, it preys on insects, small birds, and reptiles, serving as a fierce nighttime hunter in its native habitats.
Hawaiian Centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes)
This large, aggressive centipede is one of the most feared in Hawaii due to its painful bite. It can grow up to 8 inches long and has a reddish-brown body with yellow legs. Despite its fierce reputation, it plays a key ecological role by preying on insects and other small invertebrates, keeping natural pest populations under control.
Peruvian Giant Yellow-Leg Centipede (Scolopendra robusta)
Found in the rainforests of Peru and neighboring regions, this impressive species is known for its massive size and vivid yellow legs. It hunts insects, amphibians, and even small birds. Its venom is strong enough to subdue much larger prey, and its striking colors warn predators to stay away.
Indian Tiger Centipede (Scolopendra hardwickei)
This colorful species from India is instantly recognizable due to its bright orange and black banding. It prefers warm, humid environments and is an efficient nocturnal predator. Though its bite can cause severe pain, it rarely poses a danger to humans, serving mainly as a natural insect regulator.
Rhysida Longipes (Blue Vietnamese Centipede)
This medium-sized centipede features a metallic blue or green sheen across its body. Found throughout Southeast Asia, it is fast and agile, relying on speed and venom to catch prey. Its striking coloration makes it a popular species among exotic invertebrate enthusiasts.
Malaysian Cherry Red Centipede (Scolopendra dehaani)
Native to tropical Southeast Asia, this centipede stands out with its vivid red body and legs. It can reach up to 10 inches in length and is a formidable predator of insects and small vertebrates. Despite its fierce nature, it is admired for its vibrant beauty and impressive size.
Caribbean Giant Centipede (Scolopendra alternans)
One of the most formidable centipedes in the Caribbean, this species can grow up to 10 inches long. It has a reddish-brown or orange body with dark legs. Known for its potent venom and strength, it preys on small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, making it a dominant nocturnal hunter.
Tanzanian Yellow-Legged Centipede (Otostigmus politus)
This African species is smaller than many Scolopendra types but is easily recognized by its bright yellow legs and reddish body. It thrives in tropical climates and is often found hiding under logs and stones. Its venomous bite helps it subdue insects quickly, ensuring efficient hunting.
Mexican Giant Centipede (Scolopendra viridicornis)
Native to Mexico and parts of Central America, this large centipede has a dark greenish body and reddish head. It can reach lengths of up to 9 inches and is known for its powerful venom and aggressive behavior. Its size and coloration make it one of the most visually striking centipedes in the Americas.
Amazonian Red-Leg Centipede (Scolopendra hainanum)
This tropical centipede is found throughout the Amazon Basin and nearby regions. It’s recognized by its deep reddish legs and dark, glossy body. Growing up to 10 inches long, it prowls the rainforest floor at night, feeding on insects, frogs, and small reptiles. Its venom is potent, allowing it to overpower prey much larger than itself.
African Giant Centipede (Scolopendra morsitans)
One of Africa’s most widespread centipedes, this species has a reddish-brown body and yellowish legs. It can reach lengths of about 6 to 8 inches and prefers warm, dry environments like savannas and scrublands. Though its bite is painful, it’s rarely dangerous to humans. It helps maintain ecological balance by hunting insects and small vertebrates.
Australian Tiger Centipede (Scolopendra multifilata)
Native to Australia, this centipede features alternating dark and light stripes that resemble those of a tiger. It thrives in arid regions and hides under rocks and leaf litter during the day. Its bite is venomous and used to paralyze insects and small reptiles. Despite its fearsome look, it’s an important predator in its habitat.
Ecuadorian Giant Centipede (Scolopendra galapagoensis)
This rare species inhabits parts of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. It can reach up to 11 inches in length and is known for its reddish-orange coloration. A strong and efficient predator, it hunts frogs, small birds, and even bats. Its venom is highly effective, making it one of the apex invertebrate predators in its region.
Philippine Orange Centipede (Scolopendra spinosissima)
This striking centipede is found in the tropical forests of the Philippines. It has a bright orange body with darker joints, giving it a fiery appearance. Measuring up to 8 inches, it is an aggressive nocturnal hunter that feeds on insects and small amphibians. Its venom, while painful to humans, is primarily used for subduing prey quickly in dense forest environments.