Centipedes
Centipedes are commonly seen in yards and occasionally enter homes. They do not damage the home, furnishings or food. They are an annoyance and can sometimes frighten people. 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 are many-legged animals. 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 1" - 6". They have one pair of antennae that can be 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. Jaws of the smaller species cannot penetrate human skin; however, the larger species can inflict painful bites.
Centipedes usually lay 15 - 55 eggs clustered together in the soil. Eggs hatch soon after deposited. Females will closely guard the eggs and newly hatched young. Young centipedes resemble the adults and require 3 years to mature. Individuals may live up to 6 years.
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