Five Things You Probably Did Not Know about Centipedes
When you think of a centipede you probably picture a creepy, crawly bug that’s best squashed with a large boot and promptly forgotten about. However, there are a few interesting facts about this prehistoric-looking creature that you should probably know before you get to squishing.
1. The number of legs that a centipede has can vary greatly!
Their name is a little confusing because “centi” means 100 while “pede” means foot. It makes sense that you’d think centipedes would have 100 feet. The truth is, they can have as many as 171 sets of feet or as few as 15. Even though the number of feet on a centipede can be radically different from species to species, all centipedes have an uneven number of pairs of legs. Although this may seem strange, it makes a little more sense when you know that each set of legs on a centipede is attached to a separate body segment. The front pair of legs is special. It’s used by the centipede to inject their prey with paralyzing venom.
2. Centipedes are predators.
Although humans may be higher in the food chain, centipedes are actually predators themselves. They’ve been known to eat their own kind and the majority of centipedes feed on other insects, snails and worms. There are some tropical species of centipedes that feast on larger prey such as small birds and frogs. When a centipede catches its dinner it wraps its long body around the prey and uses those venomous front legs to paralyze the insect or animal so that it can take its time feasting.
3. Centipedes are strong arthropods that live for several years.
Although the centipede is small, it’s very hardy and can survive a variety of circumstances. It’s specially designed for survival and one of its most unique qualities is that if it’s attacked by a predator it can regenerate any legs that it lost in the battle. Typically centipedes live 2-3 years although there are some that have been known to live as long as 5 years. Think that one over the next time you see a centipede in your house and decide to let it live out the rest of its days in peace!
4. Centipedes are fast!
If you’ve ever seen one skitter across your floor you’ve probably noticed this for yourself. With all of those legs working in tandem, it’s easy to see how this little creepy crawly can move so quickly. Centipedes have to be fast in order to catch their meals and outrun larger predators looking to make a meal out of them.
5. Centipedes are actually good mothers.
You wouldn’t think that something so creepy could make a good mom, but centipedes pull it off. Some centipedes even give their eggs a giant, multi-legged hug in order to protect them until they hatch. Who wouldn’t want to be hugged by a centipede?
Whatever your personal feelings about centipedes are, it’s helpful to know a little bit more about this creepy crawly before you decide what you want to do about them. If you’re worried about an infestation you can make sure that your home is dry so as to discourage the moisture-loving insects that centipedes feed on from making your home their home. You should also look for cracks in your siding or the exterior of your house where centipedes might be getting inside.
When you think of a centipede you probably picture a creepy, crawly bug that’s best squashed with a large boot and promptly forgotten about. However, there are a few interesting facts about this prehistoric-looking creature that you should probably know before you get to squishing.
1. The number of legs that a centipede has can vary greatly!
Their name is a little confusing because “centi” means 100 while “pede” means foot. It makes sense that you’d think centipedes would have 100 feet. The truth is, they can have as many as 171 sets of feet or as few as 15. Even though the number of feet on a centipede can be radically different from species to species, all centipedes have an uneven number of pairs of legs. Although this may seem strange, it makes a little more sense when you know that each set of legs on a centipede is attached to a separate body segment. The front pair of legs is special. It’s used by the centipede to inject their prey with paralyzing venom.
2. Centipedes are predators.
Although humans may be higher in the food chain, centipedes are actually predators themselves. They’ve been known to eat their own kind and the majority of centipedes feed on other insects, snails and worms. There are some tropical species of centipedes that feast on larger prey such as small birds and frogs. When a centipede catches its dinner it wraps its long body around the prey and uses those venomous front legs to paralyze the insect or animal so that it can take its time feasting.
3. Centipedes are strong arthropods that live for several years.
Although the centipede is small, it’s very hardy and can survive a variety of circumstances. It’s specially designed for survival and one of its most unique qualities is that if it’s attacked by a predator it can regenerate any legs that it lost in the battle. Typically centipedes live 2-3 years although there are some that have been known to live as long as 5 years. Think that one over the next time you see a centipede in your house and decide to let it live out the rest of its days in peace!
4. Centipedes are fast!
If you’ve ever seen one skitter across your floor you’ve probably noticed this for yourself. With all of those legs working in tandem, it’s easy to see how this little creepy crawly can move so quickly. Centipedes have to be fast in order to catch their meals and outrun larger predators looking to make a meal out of them.
5. Centipedes are actually good mothers.
You wouldn’t think that something so creepy could make a good mom, but centipedes pull it off. Some centipedes even give their eggs a giant, multi-legged hug in order to protect them until they hatch. Who wouldn’t want to be hugged by a centipede?
Whatever your personal feelings about centipedes are, it’s helpful to know a little bit more about this creepy crawly before you decide what you want to do about them. If you’re worried about an infestation you can make sure that your home is dry so as to discourage the moisture-loving insects that centipedes feed on from making your home their home. You should also look for cracks in your siding or the exterior of your house where centipedes might be getting inside.
Centipedes aren’t harmful to humans and they rarely try to bite anything larger than their typical prey. That being said, nobody wants to actually touch these things if they can help it! Your best option is to leave any pest control or centipede removal to the professionals.
Accurate Termite and Pest Control are experts in removing unwanted critters such as centipedes from your home. They can safely and effectively help you get rid of any centipedes in your home while protecting the outside of your home to prevent any future infestations. Give them a call today!
