Overview

The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is a long‑legged, fast-moving centipede commonly found in and around human dwellings worldwide. Not an insect but a chilopod (class Chilopoda), it is easily recognized by its many long, delicate legs and a flattened, banded body. House centipedes are primarily nocturnal predators that feed on other arthropods and are considered common inhabitants of basements, bathrooms, attics and other damp, sheltered places.

Identification and characteristics

Key features include a yellowish to gray body, up to 15 pairs of legs (one pair per body segment near maturity), and exceptionally long terminal legs that extend beyond the tip of the body. Their legs are fringed and give them a feathered appearance while they run. House centipedes have compound eyes that are relatively well developed compared with many other centipede groups. Like other centipedes, they bear modified front appendages (forcipules) that inject venom into prey; this venom is effective for invertebrate prey but typically only causes minor effects in humans.

Behavior, diet and ecology

House centipedes are active nighttime hunters. They eat a range of small arthropods including insects (cockroaches, silverfish, ants) and spiders, acting as natural pest controllers in buildings. They prefer humid microhabitats and are often found beneath debris, inside wall voids or in cracks where moisture and prey are available. Their speed — reported in studies as among the fastest of similarly sized arthropods — helps them capture quick or evasive prey.

Life cycle and lifespan

Development involves a series of molts. Females lay eggs and typically show some degree of parental care by guarding the clutch until the young emerge. Lifespan in the wild is commonly reported as several years; many individuals live for about three to seven years depending on conditions, and they may reach reproductive maturity around their second or third year.

Distribution, origin and interactions with people

Originally associated with warmer regions, house centipedes are now cosmopolitan in distribution, transported and established in human environments around the world. Because they reduce populations of household pests, many entomologists and homeowners regard them as beneficial. Although they can startle people with their rapid movements and numerous legs, bites are rare and usually produce only mild, localized pain or swelling in sensitive individuals.

Practical notes and common misconceptions

  • They are not insects; they are centipedes (class Chilopoda) with one pair of legs per body segment rather than three pairs total.
  • House centipedes usually indicate indoor humidity or the presence of prey; reducing moisture and sealing entry points can reduce their numbers.
  • Despite their frightening appearance, they provide a useful service by preying on pests.

Further resources

For identification guides, control advice, and more detailed natural history, see: identification and pictures, household guidance, and behavioral notes. More technical or regional references are available at taxonomic resources, pest management summaries, and ecological overviews.