Centipedes and Millipedes

Centipedes and millipedes are commonly seen in yards and occasionally enter homes. Neither centipedes nor millipedes damage furnishings, home or food. Their only importance is that of annoying or frightening individuals.

Centipedes are many-legged animals and belong to a group of animals called Chilopods. They are usually  brownish, flattened animals with many body segments. Most of the body segments have one pair of legs. Centipedes are fast runners and may vary in length from one to six inches. They have one pair of antennae or "feelers" that are easily seen. Centipedes have poorly developed eyes and are most active at night. They are active predators and feed mainly on insects and spiders. All centipedes have venom glands to immobilize their prey. The jaws of the smaller local species cannot penetrate human skin; however, the larger species may inflict painful bites.

Centipedes are usually associated with damp, dark places such as under stones, leaf litter, logs, bark or soil crevices. Indoors they may be found in closets and bathrooms where there is high humidity.

Centipedes usually lay 15-55 eggs clustered together in the soil although the eggs of some species are laid singly. The eggs hatch soon after they are deposited. The female will usually guard the eggs and the newly hatched young. Young centipedes closely resemble the adults and require 3 years to mature. Centipedes are rather long-lived and individuals may live up to 6 years.

Millipedes are commonly known as "thousand leggers" and belong to a group of arthropods called Diplopods. Millipedes are worm-like, cylindrical animals with many body segments. Most of the body segments bear two pairs of legs. Millipedes tend to coil up tightly when disturbed and some species can secrete a foul smelling fluid. Millipedes feed on decaying vegetable matter and are often found under stones, flower pots, boards or similar debris where there is abundant moisture. Occasionally after rains or during cold weather, large numbers of millipedes may migrate into buildings. They can climb foundation walls and enter homes through any small opening. These pests are generally more troublesome in wooded or newly developed areas where decaying vegetation provide excellent food and breeding conditions.

Female millipedes can lay from 20-300 eggs singularly or in clusters in the soil. The eggs hatch in a few weeks, and the young go through 7 to 8 stages before maturing to adults.

Copyright © 2001 [Alan Luke]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 06/25/10. Home