THE INSECTLIBRARY FIELD GUIDES

CentipedeIdentification, facts & practical guidance

Centipedes are arthropods in class Chilopoda, not insects or arachnids. Most body segments bear one pair of legs.

Compiled by the InsectLibrary Team · Updated · Editorial policy

Identification and lookalikes

Scolopocryptops sexspinosus
Scolopocryptops sexspinosus - Bark Centidpede
Scolopocryptops spinicaudus
Scolopocryptops spinicaudus - Bark Centipede
Theatops californiensis
Theatops californiensis - Cryptopid Centipede

Compare with millipedes, which generally have two pairs of legs per apparent trunk segment and move more slowly. Centipede legs extend to the sides; body form varies from long-legged house centipedes to flatter soil-dwelling kinds.

Predators in sheltered places

Centipedes feed on other small animals. Many shelter in damp litter, soil or under objects. The order Scolopendromorpha represents only part of centipede diversity.

What to do next

Reduce persistent indoor moisture and seal entry points if they are unwanted. Avoid bare-handed handling. Use the house centipede guide for the distinctive long-legged species often seen inside buildings.

Centipede: species profiles

Explore 74 species profiles covered by this guide, with recorded names and available photos.

Bark Centidpede

Bark Centidpede

Scolopocryptops sexspinosus

Bark Centipede

Bark Centipede

Scolopocryptops spinicaudus

Cryptopid Centipede

Cryptopid Centipede

Theatops californiensis

Giant Red-headed Centipede

Giant Red-headed Centipede

Scolopendra heros

House Centipede

House Centipede

Scutigera coleoptrata

(c) Paolo Zucca, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Scolopendrid Centipede

Scolopendrid Centipede

Hemiscolopendra marginata

Soil Centipede

Soil Centipede

Strigamia bidens

Eastern Saw-toothed Centipede

Eastern Saw-toothed Centipede

Arctogeophilus umbraticus

(c) Derek Hennen, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Arebius diplonyx

Arebius diplonyx

Arebius diplonyx

Arenobius manegitus

Arenobius manegitus

Arenobius manegitus

Northern Short-clawed Centipede

Northern Short-clawed Centipede

Arenophilus bipuncticeps

Arenophilus iugans

Arenophilus iugans

Arenophilus iugans

Sources and further reading

  • extension.umn.edu - sowbugs millipedes and centipedeshttps://extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/home-maintenance/household-insects/sowbugs-millipedes-and-centipedes

References support the subject discussed here; they do not certify every imported directory record. Regional sources describe their own locations. Read our source and correction policy.