Our focus is mainly on the different centipede types of species available. There are several types of centipedes we’ll be discussing.
Here, you’ll be learning about their names, and how they look like among other primary distinguishing features.
You only need to read along for details on centipedes and what they’re about.
Common Types Of Centipedes
Centipedes are common invertebrates that are predatory carnivores with segmented bodies. These fast-moving venomous creatures are found in both tropical and temperate climates.
The name centipede is derived from the many legs possessed by these long-bodied creatures.
General Features
Irrespective of type, centipedes have a grayish to reddish-brown appearance. You’re likely to find some (especially tropical species) with orange to bright red and blue colorations.
Still, there are some centipede types with no specific body coloration due to the absence of pigmentation.
Asides from body colorations; other features common to centipedes include a pair of large claw-like structures underneath the head. Centipedes also have long, segmented, and flattened bodies. What more?
They come with a pair of long antennae on their heads, as well as a pair of jointed legs on each body segment.
How Many Types of Centipedes Are There?
When it comes to the different types of centipedes, the list is almost endless. According to scientific findings, there are about 8,000 centipede species around the world.
With such a number, it’s clear that we’ll only be looking at a few of these types.
You’re likely to discover centipede species that you haven’t seen before including those you’re more familiar with. So, what are these centipede types and what are their unique features.
Without further ado, let’s have a look at them.
All Centipede Types
As mentioned earlier, there are lots of centipede types. However, we’ll be looking at a few of these which are among the most common encountered in households.
Based on preferred habitats, there are giant desert centipedes, aquatic centipedes, and basement centipedes.
Other types include garden centipedes, flying centipedes, bathroom centipedes, tiger centipedes, soil centipedes, house centipede, stone centipedes, and the red-headed centipede.
Having identified the common types, let’s take a look at what they’re about.
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Giant Desert Centipedes
The giant desert centipede is known by several names.
These include scolopendra heros, the giant Sonoran centipede, and Texas red-headed centipede. This centipede species are mostly found in rocky woodlands with moisture content.
Giant desert centipedes have color variations but mostly have a red coloration around the head area including the first two body segments. These centipedes are identified by their pairs of yellow legs which number 20.
The Texas red-head centipede has pincers used to secreting and injecting venom
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Aquatic Centipedes
Like most centipede species, this centipede is also carnivorous and venomous. Also known as waterfall centipedes, aquatic centipedes feed on small water creatures.
Although such centipedes can live in water, they also can live on land. Aquatic centipedes aren’t among those commonly found in homes.
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Basement Centipedes
As the name implies, basement centipedes find basement areas attractive as it provides the needed cover due to their preference for dark environments.
So, how do they get into your basement? They do so through openings that include tiny cracks and inlets between doors and windows.
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Garden Centipedes
Garden centipedes are more adapted to outdoor environments. Around homes, you’ll find these in your garden.
However, their preference for outdoor surroundings doesn’t mean they stay out in the open. These centipedes can be found underneath pieces of wood and rocks.
Will garden centipedes cause damage to garden plants or vegetation? Not at all! As stated earlier, centipedes are mostly carnivorous. They only feed on insects and other small prey.
So, their presence shouldn’t be a thing of concern as they help with pest control. The only fear is the likelihood of being bitten by them.
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Flying Centipedes
This might sound a bit strange to some readers as centipedes aren’t meant to fly. They’re called flying centipedes due to the projections on their back legs that resemble wings.
However, the reality is they do not fly. Flying centipedes are most common in tropical climates with the most population being in Africa.
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Bathroom Centipedes
One centipede species that take up residence in homes is the bathroom centipede. As the name suggests, bathroom centipedes are quite common in bathrooms.
So, how do they get into your bathroom? Your drain pipes are ready to access points that can be exploited by these creatures.
To have any relief from these pests, you’ll need to have your plumbing checked and fixed. This includes clearing out your drain pipe frequently.
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Tiger Centipedes
This centipede species is multi-colored. Tiger centipedes measure between 4 to 7 and 10 to 18 cm long. They’re easily identifiable by the dark strip markings across their body segments.
Asides from their yellow legs, their multi-colored body includes orange, dark brown, and red colorations.
This centipede species feed on rodents, insects, lizards, and frogs among other small creatures. You’re likely to get bitten when you get too close to them.
To prevent such from happening, you should keep them out of your property.
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Soil Centipedes
You’ll find soil centipedes having around 27 pairs of legs. They’re rightfully called soil centipedes due to their burrowing activity in the soil.
Soil centipedes can also be found lying beneath rocks and logs. Like most centipede species, soil centipedes are predatory creatures.
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House Centipedes
House centipedes have voracious appetites for insects. This is why they’re successful in significantly reducing insect populations in homes.
The house centipede rare bites humans. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t when you get too close. Plus, their bites are venomous.
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Stone Centipedes
Stone centipedes are also called brown centipedes or common centipedes. Stone centipedes measure up to 2 inches long and possess around 15 pairs of legs.
They’re mostly nocturnal and outdoor creatures.
This centipede type preys on insects and other smaller creatures.
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Giant Centipede
Another type of centipede you should know of is the giant centipede.
They tend to be larger and love to nest in buildings during summer to escape the heat. As expected, they are venomous and could bite humans when a threat is perceived.
These are a few types of centipedes you’ll find around human dwellings. While this is true, not all are found within or around homes.
