The battle between the multi segmented and multi legs is always fought by the centipedes and millipedes. There is always debate surrounding the two creatures and their abilities and of course, who is the king of the multi legs battle. When looking at this battle you must realize you are pitting two different types of anthropods against each other. The centipede is a chilopoda while the millipede is a diplopoda.

Centipede

The centipede is a predatory anthropod which has one pair of legs for each of its body’s segments. Centipedes are harmless to human beings to a degree because they don’t carry any diseases and neither do they form nests or webs that are a nuisance to clean up every so often. On the other hand centipedes are poisonous and their venom can cause an allergic reaction which in some people can lead to an anaphylactic shock.

Having said that the centipede is not going to attack you in your sleep or anything nefarious like that. They will only bite when trapped against your skin and as a way out of the situation. Most people believe that because a centipede has the prefix centi- before the pede it must have 100 legs but that it’s not true.  A typical centipede can have anything between 30 and 354 legs. But here is an even more interesting fact: centipedes don’t have an even number of legs.

Centipedes can grow up to 12 inches and they all have antennae. They have large jaws with claws at the front of their head and they are also carnivorous.

Millipedes

Millipedes have two pairs of legs for everybody segment and two segments are typically fused together for the two pairs of legs. Remember the centipede has one pair for each segment. Because millipedes are not carnivorous and they won’t even bite you when they are crushed against your skin. However, don’t pick them up because they emit a stinky substance when attacked which can cause an allergic reaction.

The centipede is going to sting in defense but the millipede will only curl up into a tight ball. The prefix milli- in front of the pedes gives people the impression that millipede has thousands of legs but that’s not the case. Even the most leggy (pun intended) millipede that was ever examined has only had 750 legs. The millipede can grow up to 15 inches in length and this is typically the African giant centipede.  Some of the species of millipede will omit a scent like almonds which is meant to attract its attacker. Millipedes love a cool moist place which is why you will find some in the house.

Conclusion

The centipede and millipede may look similar from afar but upon closer inspection they are very different. Keep these differences in mind the next time you encounter either one.

How many legs do centipedes have?

The centipedeis an anthropod in the same classification with the millipede but it is the predatory cousin of the millipede. It is in chilopoda class and the subphylum Myriapoda. The word centi has been confusing to most people when it comes to the number of legs this anthropod has. Most believe that it has one hundred legs because of this. However, this is not the case.

The number of legs on centipede

The number of legs on a centipede is determined by the number of segments on its body. The longer the centipede, the more the number of legs. Typical centipedes can have 15 to 177 pairs of legs on their body but you can expect even more legs on species like the Peruvian giant yellow leg centipede. Known scientifically as the scolopendraGigantea this species can reach 12 inches in length and will feed on rodents, lizards, birds and even catch bats midflight to feed on them.

Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment which is unlike the millipedes that have more than one pair of legs per segment. The scolopendromorphs which are a species of centipedes typically have between 21 and 23 pairs of legs. If you come across the scutigeromorpha species you will notice that they have 15 pairs of legs as do the Lithobiomorpha.  The Geophilomorphs have the most number of legs featuring 177 legs.

Mostly we encounter the house centipede which is characterized by a rounded trunk. For every centipede species there is a pair of legs just after the head that act as fangs. They carry the venom that the centipede uses to paralyze its prey before eating it. One would think that with so many legs the centipede is the master of balance. But there is a method to the leggy madness. The further away from the head the legs are the longer they become to give the body balance.

Centipedes like other anthropods like spiders can drop their limbs when they need to and regenerate them at a later point. Upon hatching the house centipede comes with four pairs of legs and with each molt the centipede gets more legs.

Conclusion

The centipede uses its legs to sense any danger and movement around it. They act as additional antennae and they also help it get away faster. The last legs on the centipede have sensory bristles. You will notice that centipedes do not have an even number of legs. They only have an odd number of legs.

Myriapods belong to the anthropod family. Anthropods are characterized by a segmented body, a chitinous exoskeleton and joint appendages. Apart from having combined segments to their bodies myriapods have very highly developed sense organs. Their limbs are joined together almost creating a suit of armor that prevents predators from reaching the insides of the millipede or centipede.

They also have a ventral nervous system meaning that their nervous system is placed at the front of the body near the stomach and not near the spine of the creature. The term myriapod refers to many legs which describes the centipede and the millipede.

Frequently asked questions about millipedes and centipedes

What is the difference between a millipede and a centipede?

First a millipede belongs to the myriapod class of Diplopoda while a centipede belongs to the class Chilopoda. The second difference is that the former is not poisonous while the latter is poisonous.  Millipedes also have two pairs of legs per body segment while the centipede has one pair of legs per body segment.

While the centipede has longer antennae at the top of its head the millipede has a shorter one. Plus the centipede can bite while the millipede can’t. the centipede tend to extend their legs away from their bodies as they move while the millipedes tuck their legs under their bodies as they move around.

What is common between a millipede and a centipede?

The first and most obvious similarity is that they both have segmented bodies and they have many legs to move around. They both feature holes which they use as respiratory organs. These holes are known as spiracles. They use the antennae for smelling and finding food.

Both the centipedes and millipedes lay their eggs in the soil and they reproduce sexually. This means that they have to mate with a partner in order to be fertilized and lay their eggs. Most species of millipedes and centipedes have the same color which is why they are often confused for each other.  And of course they are both elongated creatures.

Both produce substances that can cause burns and allergic reactions in people. Finally centipedes tend to move faster than millipedes because of how their legs are placed.

How do centipedes and millipedes defend themselves?

Centipedes have claws at the top of their heads that they use to bite. The claws have venom which the centipede imparts onto its prey to kill it. Millipedes on the other hand do not have biting mouthparts. As such, their defense mechanism is to either curl up into a tight ball or emit a stinky substance to ward of their predator.

The scientific name of the giant centipede is the Scolopendra gigantean. Popularly it is called the Amazonian giant centipede or in some areas the Peruvian giant yellow leg centipede. It belongs to Anthropoda Phylum but despite its large dimensions it’s not aggressive towards human beings. In fact the venom of a giant centipede is not even fatal to human beings or large mammals like dogs, cats and livestock.
But towards insects the venom debilitating and it is meant to kill the insect as food for the centipede. The largest species of centipedes is found in South and Central America’s amazon forests. The centipede has modified jaws placed strategically on its head to help it grab onto its prey and inject it venom into the insect. The claws are strong enough to inject venom into small mammals like frogs, lizards and even mice.
Severe reactions to centipede bites
Although the bite of centipede is not really severe enough to warrant medical attention the reaction of the individual to the bite can be fatal because of an allergic reaction that results in an anaphylactic shock. This allergic reaction is not only bound to occur in human beings alone, even animals can go into an anaphylactic shock following a bite by a giant centipede.
In humans the symptoms include
Trouble breathing because of a swollen tongue or restricted air passage ways. This happens mainly because the venom may cause the victim to have pronounced swelling. Typically the swelling can be seen physically in the face like on the eye lids and the lips. But it can also occur internally with the tongue inside the mouth and the muscles in the throat also expand restrict air from going in and out of the lungs.
Other symptoms include lowered or elevated blood pressure as well as fever and chills. Some people have severe muscle cramps or are unable to use their limbs as normal. There is also a rash in the bite site which may be localized or it may spread to other parts of the body. It may be preceded with itching or the itching may come after.
Effect on animals
The chances of a family pet or livestock coming into contact with a giant centipede are higher than human contact. Did you know that animals can also suffer anaphylactic shock as a result of an allergic reaction to a centipede bite? Dogs and cats that suffer an anaphylactic shock show the following symptoms:

• Excessive drooling in dogs and cats begin to salivate uncontrollably
• The animal will probably have a seizure
• A weak pulse or a rapid heart rate
• Cold limbs and pale gums
• Lack of focus in the eyes
• Loose stool and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing

The best thing to do when a cat, dog or any other animal is bitten by a giant centipede is to take it to the vet ASAP.

A bite from a centipede doesn’t involve the arthropod using its mouthparts to inflict the bite. It usually means the centipede has utilized its clawed point legs situated at the front of its body to puncture your skin. All centipedes bite.

Centipede venom

The caliber of venom depends on the size and species of the centipede. The smaller centipedes do not have too much venom to inject into your system so their bites are probably not as painful. But a large enough centipede can release venom into the bite that will cause excruciating pain for a couple of hours and even days.

When the centipede traps your skin between its claws it reflexively squeezes the muscles around the claw which also contain the poison gland. Once the gland is squeezed it releases the toxic venom into the claws ducts and straight into your skin. The modified pair of legs that appear claw like are known as maxillipeds so the bigger they are the more capable they are to piece skin.

The venom produced by centipedes is not fatal to human beings regardless of how large the centipede is. However, the bite is fatal to other insects to which a centipede is a predator. The worst symptoms experienced from a centipede bite include nausea, vomiting and fever.

A centipede’s bite produces a variety of toxins that include serotonin, histamine, and a cardio-depressant known as toxin-S. These will respond to anti-histamines and hydrocortisone creams to soothe the pain, swelling and the localized irritation. Centipede venom can also cause anaphylactic episodes much like the bee and wasp stings.

Where do you find centipede

Centipedes are outdoor creatures although there are some species that can be found indoors. The outdoor species can be found under rocks, tree barks, mulch, stones and other areas that are damp. When these areas are near the house the centipedes will find their way indoors increasing the chances of a bite.

In addition, centipedes being the predators that they are feed on cockroaches and spiders which lure them inside. They are also attracted to the warmth and safe nooks and crannies within the floor boards and drains. Centipede move fast and they can cover 16 inches per second so once they bite you they will run away as fast as they can.

Effective treatment for centipede bites

Once you have bitten you should clean the bitten area with water and soap immediately. Make sure to wash the wound at least twice to get rid of the venom. An anaphylactic shock episode typically occurs after a few minutes of the bite so if you start to notice symptoms put pressure on the bite and head to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

To continue with the first aid place a hot compress on the bite site to reduce the pain and swelling. You can alternate between a hot and cold compress. Take some over the counter pain medication to alleviate the pain. We recommended using any other medication at the doctor’s direction.

A bite from a centipede doesn’t involve the arthropod using its mouthparts to inflict the bite. It usually means the centipede has utilized its clawed point legs situated at the front of its body to puncture your skin. All centipedes bite.

Centipede venom

The caliber of venom depends on the size and species of the centipede. The smaller centipedes do not have too much venom to inject into your system so their bites are probably not as painful. But a large enough centipede can release venom into the bite that will cause excruciating pain for a couple of hours and even days.

When the centipede traps your skin between its claws it reflexively squeezes the muscles around the claw which also contain the poison gland. Once the gland is squeezed it releases the toxic venom into the claws ducts and straight into your skin. The modified pair of legs that appear claw like are known as maxillipeds so the bigger they are the more capable they are to piece skin.

The venom produced by centipedes is not fatal to human beings regardless of how large the centipede is. However, the bite is fatal to other insects to which a centipede is a predator. The worst symptoms experienced from a centipede bite include nausea, vomiting and fever.

A centipede’s bite produces a variety of toxins that include serotonin, histamine, and a cardio-depressant known as toxin-S. These will respond to anti-histamines and hydrocortisone creams to soothe the pain, swelling and the localized irritation. Centipede venom can also cause anaphylactic episodes much like the bee and wasp stings.

Where do you find centipede

Centipedes are outdoor creatures although there are some species that can be found indoors. The outdoor species can be found under rocks, tree barks, mulch, stones and other areas that are damp. When these areas are near the house the centipedes will find their way indoors increasing the chances of a bite.

In addition, centipedes being the predators that they are feed on cockroaches and spiders which lure them inside. They are also attracted to the warmth and safe nooks and crannies within the floor boards and drains. Centipede move fast and they can cover 16 inches per second so once they bite you they will run away as fast as they can.

Effective treatment for centipede bites

Once you have bitten you should clean the bitten area with water and soap immediately. Make sure to wash the wound at least twice to get rid of the venom. An anaphylactic shock episode typically occurs after a few minutes of the bite so if you start to notice symptoms put pressure on the bite and head to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

To continue with the first aid place a hot compress on the bite site to reduce the pain and swelling. You can alternate between a hot and cold compress. Take some over the counter pain medication to alleviate the pain. We recommended using any other medication at the doctor’s direction.

House centipedes are one to two-inch-long insects with 15 pairs of legs reaching out of their bodies.

These legs can make them appear larger than they are, and they help the centipede to move at very fast speeds. Being able to move quickly helps them to easily catch their prey, which are other household pests like bedbugs, silverfish, spiders, cockroaches, termites, and ants.

To kill their prey, these predators grab their target with their legs and mandibles and then inject them with venom produced by modified legs. The venom kills their prey, which they then are able to devour at their leisure.

House centipedes are surprisingly long-lived for an insect species. They can survive anywhere from three to seven years depending on their environment.

Because they have lived alongside humans for centuries, they are able to live their entire lives indoors, which usually lets them live the full length of seven years.

Why Centipedes Are Viewed As Pests

Like so many insects, house centipedes are pests because they come into our homes uninvited and take up residence there, living out their lives and birthing young. Their long lives allow them the ability to fill a home with more insects than it can manage.

The fact that their appearance is so instinctively terrifying doesn’t help either. Many homeowners call the exterminators because they can’t deal with the fright caused by coming across a creepy-crawly in the middle of the night.

Are Centipedes Poisonous?

Despite their genuinely alarming appearance, house centipedes are not generally dangerous to humans. Though they are venomous to other insects, their venomous legs are unable to pierce thick human skin.

The worst they can do is bite, which leaves a small welt much like a bee sting. Bites are incredibly uncommon, though, so they are not something to worry about.

Please remember, however, anyone who has anaphylactic allergies should ALWAYS be concerned about insect bites and/or venom.

More than anything, house centipedes can actually be a help to people. Because they gladly eat other household pests, they are able to both reduce and control a home’s pest population.

Of course, to actually achieve a true level of control, you’ll need to have countless centipedes feeding on insects in your house so this useful quality is outweighed in most homes.

Centipede Extermination and Control

While house centipedes certainly have their uses in pest control, they themselves are still pests, and they should be treated as such.

Instead of suffering from nightly terrors caused by these many-legged insects, call out a professional extermination team to take care of both your centipedes and the bugs they’ve been feeding on.

Your pest control experts may have tips for you so that you can exclude future bugs from making their way into your home and setting up shop, so be sure to ask if they have any thoughts on exclusion. Your home will be pest-free in no time.

Centipedes are definitely one of the scarier looking pests out there for many homeowners. They’re commonly brownish or reddish in color, though other species can be in a multitude of other colors including yellow and white.

Their flat, elongated bodies are segmented, with each segment having a pair of legs, and they can have anywhere from 15 to over a hundred pairs of legs. They’re very fast and can travel 1.3 feet per second, and can even run up walls and furniture. They have claws and use venom to paralyze prey.

The great thing about centipedes though, is they only rarely bite humans. In fact, they’ll do their best to stay clear of you, and only bite you in self-defense.

Centipedes can be very beneficial in your home. They’re nocturnal creatures, and spend the night hunting more problematic pests like cockroaches, termites, silverfish, and even spiders. They don’t damage your home like termites do, contaminate your food like cockroaches, nor do they spread diseases like rodents.
If you do want to get rid of them though, or think you have one too many in your house, there are a few, easy steps you can follow.

1. Close off pest entry points in to your house – that is, repair or install window screens, especially for any outside vent. Install weatherstripping, and make sure drains and pipes are properly sealed. Use caulk on cracks found on walls and around pipes. This prevents centipedes and other bugs from getting in to your home, which helps in the 2nd step.
2. Get rid of their food sources. As mentioned earlier, centipedes prey on other pests, so making sure you have as less pests as possible in your house for them to feed on, will make them want to look for greener pastures.
3. Run a humidifier, especially in your basement. This lessens damp and mold, and makes the area less appealing for many pests.
4. Get rid of as many hiding places as possible, including old cardboard boxes, trash, compost piles and rocks.
5. Of course, spray insecticide on any you find, and for good measure, spray on hard-to-reach areas you think may harbor pests.

If you follow these and still regularly find centipedes (and other pests) in your home, get in touch with a pest control services company and have a professional come out to look.