Centipede

Centipedes (also called Farabadan; Chilopoda) are small legless arthropods whose bodies are divided into numerous segments arranged in sequence, each bearing a single pair of legs. They belong to the class Myriapoda, which they share with millipedes (Diplopoda), though centipedes have a more flattened body structure.

Centipedes are predators, hunting insects and other small animals. The front pair of legs has been modified into venomous fangs used to capture prey. They are largely nocturnal, remaining during the day in damp places such as under rocks, in leaf litter, and in rotting wood.

Body structure

The body is flattened dorsoventrally and consists of a head and a segmented trunk. The head bears a pair of antennae for sensing and the mouth. Unlike millipedes, which have two pairs of legs per segment, centipedes have only one pair per segment. The number of legs varies among species but is always odd and never equal (for example, 15 or more pairs). The rear-most legs are typically longer than the others.

Behaviour and diet

Centipedes rely on rapid movement and the sense of their antennae to locate prey. When capturing prey, they inject venom through their modified front legs, which paralyzes the victim. Their diet consists of worms, insects, spiders, and other small animals; larger species can consume small arthropods. Because their skin lacks an impermeable waxy coating, they are sensitive to dehydration, which is why they prefer damp habitats.

Reproduction and development

Centipedes reproduce by laying eggs; some species exhibit parental care, with the mother guarding the eggs until they hatch. Some species produce young with fewer legs than adults, adding legs with each moult; others produce fully formed young with the complete number of legs.

Human interaction

Centipede bites can cause pain, redness, and local swelling in humans. Large species living in warm regions may produce more severe symptoms, though death from a centipede bite is extremely rare. Because they feed on household insects, some centipedes are considered beneficial for controlling pest populations.