Centipedes are elongated arthropods with many leg pairs, one pair per body segment. There are around 3,300 species of centipedes worldwide, with around 20 to 30 species native to Texas. Centipedes are predators that typically feed on small invertebrates. Some of the most common centipede species found in Texas include the giant redheaded centipede, the desert centipede, and the house centipede. While not all centipede species are venomous, some Texas centipedes can inflict a painful bite, so it is useful to be able to identify them. This article provides information on identifying the key features and behaviors of centipedes in Texas.
Page Contents
What Does a Centipede Look Like?
Centipedes have an elongated, flattened body with one pair of legs per body segment. The number of legs depends on the species, but can range from 15 pairs to 177 pairs. Each leg ends in a claw. The legs ripple back and forth as the centipede moves. Centipedes have two antennae on their head which they use to sense their environment.
Some key features that help identify centipedes include:
Body Shape
– Elongated and flattened
– Segmented, with one pair of legs per segment
– Ranges from 0.5 inches to over 12 inches in length depending on species
Legs and Movement
– 15 to 177 pairs of legs
– Legs end in a claw and ripple back and forth when moving
– First pair of legs located near the head are modified into venom claws in some species
Antennae
– One pair of antennae on the head used to sense surroundings
Coloration
– Colors vary between species, but common colors are brown, red, orange, yellow
– Some have alternating light and dark bands on their legs or head
– Legs sometimes a different color than body
Eyes
– Cluster of simple eyes at the front of the head
– Some species have larger compound eyes as well
Behavior and Habitat
Centipedes are nocturnal and spend most of the day hidden under rocks, logs, leaf litter, or burrowed underground. They emerge at night to hunt for food. Centipedes are carnivorous and use their legs and fangs to catch prey. They immobilize prey with venom injected through claws or fangs. Prey includes insects, spiders, millipedes, reptiles, amphibians, and small mice or birds.
Common centipede habitats in Texas include:
– Under rocks, logs, bark, and other debris on the ground
– Leaf litter and compost piles
– Burrowed underground or in rotting wood
– Inside homes in warm dark spaces like basements or crawlspaces
Some behavioral signs that indicate the presence of centipedes include:
– Finding prey remains of small invertebrates
– Pinprick bite marks on humans or pets while sleeping
– Catching glimpses of quickly moving centipedes at night
Common Centipedes in Texas
There are around 20-30 centipede species found in Texas. Some of the most common ones include:
Giant Redheaded Centipede
The giant redheaded centipede (Scolopendra heros) is the largest centipede in North America, reaching lengths up to 8 inches. Identifying features include:
– Reddish-orange body color
– 21-23 pairs of legs
– Legs end in sharp claws for grasping prey
– Powerful jaws with venom claws
They are found throughout Texas under logs and rocks. Their painful bite is one of the most dangerous of any North American centipede.
Desert Centipede
The desert centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) grows up to 5 inches long and has 21 or 23 pairs of legs. Identifying features include:
– Yellowish-tan to dark brown body
– Flattened shape
– Last pair of legs extend beyond the body
– Legs have dark bands
Found in west Texas under rocks, boards, and ground debris in arid habitats. It has a painful bite but is less dangerous than the giant redheaded centipede.
House Centipede
The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is common inside homes across Texas. Identifying features include:
– Grayish-yellow body with three dark stripes
– 15 pairs of very long, delicate legs
– Up to 1.5 inches long
– Antennae longer than other centipedes
Despite their frightening appearance, house centipedes are harmless to humans and help control household pests. They seek refuge in dark, moist areas indoors.
Is it Dangerous?
While not all centipedes are dangerous, some Texas species can inflict a painful bite that requires medical attention in rare cases.
The two centipedes with the most medically significant bites are:
Giant Redheaded Centipede
This centipede has large fangs connected to venom glands that can cause severe pain, swelling, numbness, and tissue damage. Severe reactions are rare and limited to small children or those allergic to the venom. Bites should be cleaned and monitored. Seek medical care if severe swelling or other reactions develop.
Texas Redheaded Centipede
The Texas redheaded centipede (Scolopendra heros arizonensis) is found in southern Texas and resembles the giant redheaded centipede on a smaller scale, reaching lengths up to 6 inches. It can inflict a moderately painful bite that causes mild to moderate swelling and pain. Serious reactions are unlikely but bites should be cared for.
Other Centipedes
Desert centipedes and house centipedes can bite but rarely cause more than temporary, localized pain and irritation. However, any centipede bite should be cleaned and monitored for infection. Contact a doctor if signs of infection develop.
First Aid for Bites
If bitten by a centipede, you can take the following steps as first aid:
1. Clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain.
3. Keep the bite below heart level to slow venom spread.
4. Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed.
5. Monitor for signs of infection – increasing pain, swelling, redness around the bite. Seek medical treatment if these occur.
6. Call 911 if bitten by a giant redheaded centipede and having severe reactions like trouble breathing, seizure, loss of consciousness.
How to Avoid Centipede Bites
You can take the following precautions to avoid bites when centipedes are active:
– Carefully inspect or shake out shoes, clothes, towels, and bedding before use.
– Wear gloves and protective clothing when moving dead wood or leaves.
– Use caution when picking up rocks, bricks, and debris.
– Make sure windows and doors fit tightly to prevent entry.
– Keep basements and crawlspaces dry to avoid attracting house centipedes.
– Eliminate rodents and insects since they attract centipedes as prey.
– Install screening over vents, drains, and openings.
Professional Control of House Centipedes
If you have a recurring house centipede problem, it may require professional pest control. Treatment options include:
– Applying pesticides indoors and outdoors to kill centipedes and prevent migration inside.
– Installing dehumidifiers to lower indoor humidity under 50% since moisture attracts centipedes.
– Sealing cracks, holes, and other potential entry points with caulk or weather stripping.
– Removing piles of debris and clutter around the exterior to eliminate habitat.
– Adjusting exterior lighting to avoid attracting insects that centipedes feed on.
Conclusion
Centipedes are common arthropods that inhabit a variety of habitats in Texas. While many species pose no threat, some large centipedes can inflict a painful bite. Key identification features include an elongated, flattened body with many leg pairs ending in claws, two antennae on the head, and variations in coloration. Being able to identify local species helps assess any potential dangers. Avoiding bites involves preventing indoor infestations, wearing gloves and other protection when moving debris, and watching where you place your hands and feet near centipede hiding spots. With proper identification and caution, it is possible to co-exist safely with these intriguing predatory creatures. Prompt first aid and medical care can treat the occasional bite.