House Centipedes

Scutigeromorpha

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Myriapoda
Class: Chilopoda
Order: Scutigeromorpha

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scutigeromorpha: //skjuːˌtɪdʒəroʊˈmɔːrfə//

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

Images

Thereuonema tuberculata 28269265 by Zinogre. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Thereuonema tuberculata 232231516 by averagewalrus. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Thereuonema tuberculata (Wood, 1863) by User:OpenCage. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

Thereuonema tuberculata 232233290 by averagewalrus. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Thereuonema tuberculata 187033591 by Kosuke Onoda 小野田幸介. Used under a CC0 license.

Thereuonema tuberculata predation on Forficula earwig by AverageWalrus. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Scutigeromorpha, or house centipedes, are an order of myriapods characterized by their long legs, distinct spiracle arrangement, and predatory behavior. They are found in various habitats across the globe and play a beneficial role in ecosystems as insect controllers.

Physical Characteristics

House centipedes have 15 pairs of long legs, with adults measuring 2 to 3.5 cm in length, some reaching up to 8 cm. Notable features include long, whip-like antennae and compound eyes divided into ommatidia. The trunk has eight tergites and a unique dorsal arrangement of spiracles.

Identification Tips

Look for their long legs and whip-like antennae. The ultimate legs are much longer than the others, resembling the antennae. Identification is aided by their unique spiracle arrangement on the back.

Habitat

Commonly found in houses, particularly in temperate and tropical regions worldwide, except Antarctica.

Distribution

Scutigeromorpha has a worldwide distribution, significantly expanded by the introduction of Scutigera coleoptrata into Europe, Asia, and North America.

Diet

House centipedes are predators that primarily feed on flies and other insects.

Life Cycle

House centipedes exhibit heminanomorphic development and possess 15 leg-bearing segments as adults.

Ecosystem Role

House centipedes play a role in controlling insect populations, acting as natural pest controllers.

Economic Impact

House centipedes can have a positive economic impact by reducing populations of household pests, though they may be considered undesirable in homes.

Evolution

Fossil records indicate that the order Scutigeromorpha dates back to at least the late Silurian period, making them among the earliest terrestrial arthropods. They display significant morphological changes compared to their ancient predecessors.

Misconceptions

A common misconception is that house centipedes are dangerous; however, they are not venomous to humans and do not pose a significant threat.