Centipedes

Chilopoda

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chilopoda: //ˌkaɪləˈpoʊdə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Steinläufer Lithobius cf forficatus 1561 by NobbiP. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Gemeine Steinläufer Lithobius forficatus by Holger Krisp. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
DSC09994 Chiplopoda- Lithobidae- Lithobius microps by Mick Talbot. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Lithobius forficatus by Stephan Kleinfelder. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Lithobius (10.3897-zookeys.741.21706) Figure 9 by Ganske A-S, Edgecombe GD, Akkari N (2018) The peristomatic structures as a source of systematic characters in the genus Lithobius Leach, 1814 (Myriapoda, Chilopoda). In: Stoev P, Edgecombe GD (Eds) Proceedings of the 17th International Congress of Myriapodology, Krabi, Thailand. ZooKeys 741: 49-75. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.741.21706. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
DSC09992 Chiplopoda- Lithobidae- Lithobius microps (3331676520) by Mick Talbot from Lincoln (U.K.), England. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Centipedes, belonging to the class Chilopoda, are elongated, segmented arthropods characterized by one pair of legs per body segment, venomous forcipules, and a wide range of habitat preferences. They are crucial predators in their environments but can pose a health hazard to humans through painful bites. They have a significant role in the ecosystem as both predators and prey.

Physical Characteristics

Elongated segmented body with one pair of legs per segment; size ranges from a few mm to 30 cm; rounded or flattened head with large antennae and modified legs (forcipules) used to inject venom.

Identification Tips

Centipedes have an odd number of leg pairs (ranging from 15 to 191), always possess forcipules, and do not exceed 100 legs despite their name. They are typically fast runners with a flattened body.

Habitat

Found in a wide variety of habitats including deserts, rainforests, caves, and leaf litter. They prefer moist environments to prevent water loss.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution, including regions beyond the Arctic Circle.

Diet

Carnivorous, primarily preying on smaller arthropods, with larger species able to attack small vertebrates. They inject venom to subdue their prey.

Life Cycle

Centipedes do not copulate; males deposit spermatophores which females uptake. Long life span ranging from 5 to over 10 years in some species; undergo various development stages before reaching maturity.

Reproduction

Females provide parental care by curling around eggs and young; some species exhibit parthenogenesis.

Predators

Larger animals such as mongooses, salamanders, snakes, and some mammals prey on centipedes.

Ecosystem Role

Predators of various small invertebrates, and serve as prey for a number of larger vertebrates.

Economic Impact

Certain large centipedes consumed as food in some cultures, and others used in traditional medicine.

Cultural Significance

Elicits fear in some cultures due to their appearance and behavior; referenced in literature.

Health Concerns

Bites can be painful and potentially dangerous to specific vulnerable populations, though rarely fatal. Some species can inflict bites that cause severe swelling and reactions in allergic individuals.

Collecting Methods

  • Hand collection
  • Pitfall traps
  • Modified sweep nets

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Freezing
  • Drying in silica gel

Evolution

Fossil record tracks 430 million years back; distinct evolutionary traits include modifications of first appendages to forcipules.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Despite the name, centipedes do not have 100 legs; the actual number varies widely and is always odd.

Tags

  • Chilopoda
  • Centipedes
  • Myriapoda
  • Arthropods
  • Venomous
  • Predators