Chilopoda

Centipedes are distinguished from millipedes (Diplopoda) by having one pair of legs per body segment versus two pairs, and by their flattened rather than cylindrical body profile. The four orders are distinguished by leg number and eye structure: Scutigeromorpha (15 leg pairs, compound eyes, extremely long legs and antennae); Lithobiomorpha (15 leg pairs, simple eyes or eyeless); Geophilomorpha (31-181 leg pairs, eyeless, elongate with short legs); Scolopendromorpha (21-23 leg pairs, four ocelli per side, large size). The venomous forcipules are unique to Chilopoda among myriapods.

Elongated, dorsoventrally flattened body with distinct head bearing long antennae and a pair of venomous forcipules (modified first pair of legs). Each body segment bears exactly one pair of legs; total leg number varies from 30 to 354 and is always an odd number. Body coloration ranges from pale yellow-brown in cave-dwelling species to striking aposematic patterns of black, red, and yellow in large scolopendromorphs. Size varies dramatically: Scutigera coleoptrata (house centipede) measures 25-35 mm, while Scolopendra heros (giant desert centipede) reaches up to 8 inches (200 mm). Scolopendromorpha possess 21 or 23 pairs of legs and typically four small ocelli on each side of the head; Geophilomorpha are eyeless; Lithobiomorpha and Scutigeromorpha possess compound eyes.

Occupies diverse terrestrial habitats from surface environments to deep subterranean caves. Scutigeromorpha commonly synanthropic in human dwellings; Lithobiomorpha found in leaf litter, under stones, and in decaying wood; Geophilomorpha primarily soil-dwelling, with some species adapted to deep cave systems (recorded to -1100 m depth); Scolopendromorpha inhabit deserts, grasslands, and forests, often in burrows or under cover objects. Cave-adapted species show troglomorphic traits: elongated antennae and appendages, depigmentation, and eye loss.

Cosmopolitan distribution across all inhabited continents. Native to all major landmasses except Antarctica; introduced to remote islands via human commerce. Scutigera coleoptrata (house centipede) originally Mediterranean but now virtually worldwide in human-associated habitats. Scolopendra heros ranges across southwestern North America from Oklahoma to Arizona and northern Mexico. Geophilus hadesi occurs in Velebit Mountains, Croatia, at depths to -1100 m. Australobius tracheoperspicuus represents the first cave-dwelling lithobiomorph from southern China (Guizhou Province). Cryptops speleorex endemic to Movile Cave, Romania.

Activity patterns vary by habitat and climate. Surface-dwelling species typically nocturnal, seeking shelter during daylight hours. Desert species such as Scolopendra polymorpha and S. heros active on surface at night, particularly after rains. Seasonal activity influenced by temperature and moisture; in temperate regions, may burrow deeply or enter diapause during cold periods. Cave-dwelling species active year-round due to stable subterranean conditions.

Obligate carnivores. Prey includes insects, spiders, other arthropods, and small vertebrates including mice, lizards, and snakes for large scolopendromorphs. Scutigera coleoptrata preys on household pests including cockroaches, silverfish, and spiders. Geophilus hadesi is a top predator in its deep cave ecosystem. Cryptops speleorex occupies the apex predator position in the chemosynthetic-based Movile Cave food web. Prey captured using venomous forcipules that inject paralyzing toxins.

Anamorphic development: hatchlings emerge with incomplete leg complements and add segments and legs through successive molts. Scutigeromorpha and Lithobiomorpha achieve 15 leg pairs at maturity; Geophilomorpha add segments throughout life, reaching 31-181 pairs; Scolopendromorpha reach 21 or 23 pairs. Sexual reproduction with indirect sperm transfer via spermatophores in most groups; some geophilomorphs exhibit parental care of eggs and young. Lifespan varies: Scutigera coleoptrata may live 3-7 years; large scolopendromorphs potentially longer.

Nocturnal predators employing speed and venom to subdue prey. Scutigera coleoptrata exhibits remarkable rapid locomotion, capable of climbing walls and ceilings. Scolopendra polymorpha has been observed engaging in cannibalism, capturing and consuming smaller conspecifics. Defensive behaviors include rapid escape, burrowing, and venomous biting when handled. Some species exhibit aposematic display using bright coloration. Cave-dwelling species show reduced aggression and slower movement compared to surface relatives.

Predators occupying multiple trophic levels in terrestrial food webs. Small species regulate populations of soil and litter invertebrates; large scolopendromorphs function as mesopredators consuming vertebrates and large arthropods. In cave ecosystems, troglobitic species serve as apex predators in communities based on chemosynthetic bacterial production rather than photosynthesis. Nutrient cycling through predation and decomposition of prey remains.

Beneficial as biological control agents of household and agricultural pests; Scutigera coleoptrata consumes cockroaches, silverfish, and spiders. Venomous bites from large species (particularly Scolopendromorpha) can cause severe pain, swelling, and systemic symptoms requiring medical attention; fatalities rare but documented from tropical species. Popular in exotic pet trade, particularly large colorful scolopendromorphs. Research subjects for venom biochemistry, neurotoxicology, and cave biology.

• Diplopoda (millipedes)Superficially similar elongated myriapod body form, but distinguished by two pairs of legs per body segment, cylindrical body profile, and herbivorous/detritivorous diet versus single leg pair, flattened body, and carnivorous diet in Chilopoda.
• Symphyla (garden centipedes)Small soil-dwelling myriapods with similar habitat preferences, but possess 12 leg pairs and lack venomous forcipules; not true centipedes despite common name.

• carnivore
• venomous
• nocturnal
• cave-dwelling
• predator
• myriapod
• arthropod
• troglomorphic
• aposematic
• synanthropic

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Chilopoda | Beetles In The Bush
• Bug Eric: House Centipedes
• centipedes | Beetles In The Bush
• Chilopoda | Blog
• conservation | Blog - Part 18
• King of the Cave: New centipede on top of the food chain in the sulphurous-soaked Movile | Blog
• РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИЕ МНОГОНОЖЕК-ГЕОФИЛОВ И МУХОЛОВОК (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha, Scutigeromorpha) В АЗИАТСКОЙ РОССИИ