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INTRODUCTION Centipedes are sometimes called hundred-leggers because of their many pairs of legs.  Even though centipedes are predaceous and therefore beneficial, most customers consider them a nuisance pest.  Some species can inflict a painful bite, but is not lethal.  They are widely distributed throughout most of the United States and the world.

RECOGNITION. Adults about 1/8-6in 4-152 mm) long, elongated, flattened, and wormlike.  Color usually yellowish to dark brown, sometimes with darker stripes or markings.  With 1 pair antennae, 14-50-segmented.  Some with compound eyes, most with a cluster of simple eyes (ocelli) on each side of head or no eyes.  Most body segments bear 1 pair of similar legs, except 1^st pair behind head modified into clawlike poison jaws and last 2 pairs directed backward and often different in form.  Pairs of legs number 15-177, with 1 pair per segment.

     First instar centipedes usually have 4 pair of legs.  Additional segments and pairs of legs are added with additional molts.

HABITS. Centipedes are typically found in areas of high moisture such as loose bark, in rotting logs, under stones, trash, piles of leaves and grass clippings, flower-bed mulch, etc. where their typical prey is found.  Most centipedes are nocturnal or active at night.

     They occasionally invade structures, especially S. coleoptrata, where they survive on flies, spiders, etc.  Although they may be found anywhere in a house, the usual places are damp basements, bathrooms, damp closets, and potted plants.

     Centipedes are primarily carnivorous and obtain most of their moisture needs from their prey.  Some species will sometimes feed on plant tissues, causing injury.

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