Centipedes and their Habitats

Centipedes can actually be found all over the world consisting of different species. Each species are interestingly unique with one another where they can inhabit different types of environments (like the tropics and moist forests). Most species of centipedes have the capability to thrive on hot or warm weather conditions but as long as there's a source of water nearby. One interesting fact about centipedes is that, their bodies can absorb water which keeps them hydrated for long period of time. In short, Any place with a warm climate and moist places can actually become a perfect habitat for the centipedes to live.

Some common places with a large number of different species of centipedes are known in the regions of North America, South America, New Zealand and United Kingdom.

According to most scientific studies about centipedes, these creatures are more known to take shelters under decaying woods, near rock formations, loose type of soil, base boards and in the gardens. It's because these areas allows them to stay warm and at the same time, prevents their bodies from drying up. In addition, living in tight objects can protect them from other more fearsome predators.

Did you know that several centipedes can live or hide fitting themselves in a small decaying log?

A female centipedes can actually have up to fifty or more eggs. Surprisingly, parental centipedes together with their eggs can live in a small log along with the other centipedes without needing a larger room for breeding.

Despite the fact that centipedes can inhabit various places of the world, there are actually two regions where they won't be able to survive. They are the Arctic and Antarctic regions. These two places can freeze the centipedes to their deaths. Since the areas are nothing but cold and ice, they won't surely last longer than a few hours. Furthermore, there has been no record of any centipede findings in the Arctic or Antarctic so long as they have been here on Earth.

Some Common Centipedes and their Habitats

Scutigeromorpha

The most common and popular specie of centipedes is the "Scutigeromorpha" or "House Centipedes". They are very fast creatures who can endure high-falls even at a rate of very fast speed.

House centipedes have multi-segmented antennae, compound eyes and they have adapted the characteristic of burrowing themselves around their habitat. Their average body-length ranges from 2.5 to 3 centimeters only. As for the color of their body, some people describe them as grayish-yellow, brownish-yellow, dark-orange or yellowish-gold.

Scutigeromorpha are commonly found hidden inside homes. Thus, they are considered as pests. According to some statistical survey, Southern Africa and Madagascar has the highest number of house centipede infestation.

Lithobiomorpha

"Lithobiomorpha" is also known as "Stone Centipedes" and they are very similar to the scutigeromorpha specie. But their main difference is that, lithobiomorpha had lost their compound eyes which according to the scientific discovery, they lost it due to the process of evolution that took place through time. Instead of an eye, they have a group of ocelli. Another difference is that they have shorter legs and antennae.

Stone centipedes are commonly found inhabiting various regions of New Zealand.

Craterostigmomorpha

The least diverse centipede group is the "Craterostigmomorpha" which inhabits both regions of Tasmania and New Zealand. Centipedes in this group are generally greenish-brown in color with a large red-brown head supporting the creature's massive forcipules. Despite of its existence, many scientists still have very little information about their biology. Although, it is estimated that this specie had originated for about 375 million years ago.

Scolopendromorpha

The "Scolopendromorpha" specie is also known as the "Tropical Centipedes" and they are considered as the world's largest centipede. These creatures possess between 21 to 43 body segments with a total body-length that measures an average of over 16 centimeters in length. As for their antennae, it usually consists of 17 segments.

Although, there are some slight differences of other scolopendromorpha specie to their native counterparts that inhabits on the same regions of New Zealand. Some Tropical Centipedes do not exceed 5 centimeters. And unique to them is that, they always have 21 pairs of legs and are either blind or have ocelli.

Geophilomorpha

"Geophilomorpha" is also known as "Soil Centipedes". You may be surprised to know that they are "eyeless" and blind creatures. Due to their blindness, they are like earthworms that have adapted themselves living beneath the ground.

Their long and thin bodies possess numerous short legs ranging from 31 to 181 pairs. As for their body-length, they can grow from 1 to 25 centimeters long. Their common type of colors can be reddish-brown or pale yellow.

Soil centipedes can be found inhabiting any areas of the world that offers them a thriving place such as the gardens, yards, woodlands and agricultural land farms.

Moreover, there are over 3,000 identified species of centipedes across the world with varying habitats. Not to mention those that are still unidentified and undiscovered species. Who knows that there can be a newly evolved specie that can survive at any kind of environment.

Are Centipedes Dangerous to Humans and Animals?

Common to all species of centipedes is that they possess a venom in which they use it to inject into their prey causing them to get paralyzed. The only differences among them is that, some species particularly those that belong into the wild have a more potent venom. Wild centipedes even have bigger sizes in which they are capable of injecting larger quantity of their venom into their prey.

The centipede's venom is actually strong enough to immobilize any insects especially those that are smaller and weaker. However, their venom have very little effect on small animals including house pets and reptiles.

A centipede posses a "Maxillipeds" that very is similar to a "pincer" which they use to sting their victims. Some people also refer the maxillipeds as the "Poison Claws".

The maxillipeds or poison claws are located at the top of the centipede's head which allow them an easy access to deliver their bite. Upon biting their victims, they will inject their toxic venom through those claws. Luckily, most animals including humans have strong immune-resistance against their deadly bites (but except for the pain).

Most of the victims of centipede bites are the children who loves to play on the dirt, gardens or outdoors. As for the animals, they are those who spend most of their time from the outside environment.

Some medical experts claims that centipede bites or their venom are known as harmless for both humans and animals. If it happens that a certain individual or animal got bitten, the side effects of the venom will only last for a few hours and they are gone. It actually depends on the size of the centipede, a giant sized centipede tends to inflict a more agonizing pain. And, the pain from the bite can last for up to a few days and it can be very uncomfortable.

Those who have allergies to a centipede bite are advised to call or seek immediate help from the doctors or go to the emergency room if any symptoms are suddenly observed. The common known side effects and symptoms are as follows:

1. Swelling
2. Skin Irritation
3. Mild Pain
4. Discoloration
5. Numbness

How Dangerous are the Centipedes to Dogs?

It is actually normal for any dogs to pick small things up especially something that is moving around the ground. So if it happens that your house is infested with house centipedes then, there are chances that your dog might have already eaten one of them. On this case, will your pet get poisoned and die?

House centipedes are quite more harmless as compared to their wild species-counterpart that lives in the forest. Most of those wild centipedes even have bigger sizes that they can surprisingly prey on mouse and small snakes.

Common house centipedes measures an average size of about 1 to 3 inches long. They do bite their prey with their sharp fangs but if they are going to use it against humans or large animals, their fangs might not be able to penetrate through their skins.

Going back into the question above, if it happens that your dog ate a house centipede then there isn't nothing to worry about because no serious harm will happen to your pet. In fact, even if your dog ate a wild centipede, your pet is completely safe.

The explanation is that, a centipede's venom will only work once it gets injected into a human or animal's bloodstream. So if your dog ate or swallowed the creature without getting bitten, there is no way the venom could get inside the bloodstream of your pet.

Wild Centipedes

As already mentioned above, wild centipedes that dwell in the forest have a huge differences to those found inside the house. They are actually bigger in size and equipped with sharper fangs and more potent venom. Now, if a wild (giant) centipede had bitten a dog, will the dog die?

The answer is "No" but it will bring a lot of pain to the dog that could last for a few hours which has the same effect to humans. A dog can only be seriously harmed if he or she is allergic to the centipede's bite.

Is it Safe for a Dog to keep Eating House Centipedes?

Upon knowing that dogs won't get harmed by eating house centipedes, it doesn't really mean that you have completely nothing to worry about. If your pet enjoy chasing and eating them around, you have to know that those insects could possibly carry diseases or bacteria. As a result, your pet may end up getting sick from eating them.

To protect or prevent your pet from eating house centipedes, the best way to get rid of them are through the methods that has already been shared on the previous posts of this blog.

Overall, when speaking about a centipede bite, it has already been confirmed by clinical doctors that it is not dangerous to humans and animals. But, with the exemption of those who are allergic to the creature's bite.

Scientific Discovery and Study of Centipedes

The study of centipedes is actually very complex that really challenges most researchers about uncovering information about them. But despite of the complexity involve, discovering and studying various species of centipedes are also quite very fascinating.

For years, the centipede (also referred by some as the "100 legged worm or insect") has frightened but intrigued a lot of people throughout the world. Due to their existence, "Biologist" (scientists that studies centipedes and other various life forms on Earth) has been studying these particular arthropod for decades.

Throughout the years of studying the centipedes, scientists came to discover the most important thing to know about them. Most scientists had actually focused their research on the specie called "Scutigera Coleoptrata" where they were able to learn their biology especially on how their venom works.

The importance of studying centipedes is actually for the benefit of everyone. By understanding them, the general public will be able to know, how or what precautions to take when in contact with a centipede. And also, how to eliminate them and to know the benefits that they do bring to us.

Biology of Centipedes

A centipede's biology is fairly simple where scientists had classified them under the arthropod category. Since the most commonly seen specie of centipedes around are the scutigera coleoptrata, they are the favorite test subjects by most researchers.

Scutigera coleoptrata possess a long and soft body with anywhere between 15 to 100 pairs of legs. They have small claws (also known as "pincers") that they use to either defend themselves or to catch their prey. On top of their tiny heads, they have antennas.

As one of the top predators, wild centipedes are quite good at camouflaging themselves especially when they are in the forests or near the water. To be more specific, they generally love the tropics, parks that feature small rivers or beaches that have rock formations gathered near the ocean.

When Centipede Bite a Human Victim

Centipedes only use their venom in catching their prey but they won't hesitate to use it against human when they feel threatened. The good thing is that, centipede venom is not dangerous to human unless the person is allergic to the bite. However, their venom is deadly to their prey especially those insects that are beneath them in the "Food Chain".

If it happens that you got bitten by a wild centipede (assuming that it's a Scolopendra), it's venom will work on you where you will be suffering an unbearable or excruciating pain that could last for an hour. The bitten area will then leave a red bump that will itch and swell for up to three days or more. And for the good news, there have been no recorded human deaths from centipede bites due to their venom.

On the other hand, if the centipede bit its prey, it will paralyze them to the extent that they are unable to move and defend themselves. This makes their prey an easy target and meal for the centipede.

Their venom is very effective on any insects regardless of their size. They can easily take down ants or even bees!

Study of Centipedes for Preventing Centipede Infestation

Scientists or biologists aren't studying centipedes just for the sole purpose of being fascinated about them. The main objective of their studies is to discover the best and effective method on how to prevent centipede infestation especially around your home. So far, they have found out that home owners should always keep their homes dry and clean (a habitat in which centipedes cannot thrive in).

Without the study of centipedes, people may see them as a threat that needs to be completely terminated. It is very important that you have to know the fact that centipedes do have a major importance in the ecosystem. They are the once responsible for controlling the numbers of other insects especially pests such as ants, termites, bed bugs, cockroaches and etc...

If it happens that centipedes are all wiped out of their existence, this will cause chaos in the ecosystem allowing over population of other tiny insects which the centipedes preys on. Some scientists speculates that spiders may take the place of the centipedes if they are gone.

As a result of the study, centipedes plays a very important role in the ecosystem. Other than their importance, scientists have also discovered hundreds of different species around the world. To tell you, they even keep on discovering new species every year that probably undergone the process of evolution.

Regardless of the ongoing studies about centipedes, scientists have not yet learned everything there is to know about them where some aspects of their lifestyle remains to be a mystery.