THE INSECTLIBRARY FIELD GUIDES
House CentipedeIdentification, facts & practical guidance
The house centipede is Scutigera coleoptrata, a fast-moving predator with a narrow body and very long legs.
Compiled by the InsectLibrary Team · Updated · Editorial policy
Identification and lookalikes
Adults have 15 pairs of legs, although younger individuals have fewer. Long antennae and the elongated rear legs create a much larger outline than the body itself. It is a centipede, not a spider.
Why it is in the house
House centipedes hunt other arthropods and often use cool, damp hiding places. Seeing one does not identify which prey species are present or prove a serious infestation.
What to do next
Check for leaks, persistent dampness and entry gaps. Photograph the whole animal if possible; its unusual outline is more useful than a blurred close-up of individual legs.
House Centipede: species profile
Explore the species profile covered by this guide, with recorded names and available photos.
Sources and further reading
- apps.extension.umn.edu - housecentipedehttps://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/garden/relatives/medium/housecentipede.html
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