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Science & Nature • Zoology

Centipede

Centipedes are elongated, segmented arthropods in the class Chilopoda.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Centipedes are elongated, segmented arthropods in the class Chilopoda. They are predatory, venomous animals with one pair of legs per body segment, and they are not insects. Despite the name, no centipede has exactly 100 legs; the number varies widely by species and age.

Description

Centipedes are long, segmented, usually flattened arthropods in the class Chilopoda. They are terrestrial myriapods with a pair of antennae and a single pair of legs on each body segment.

Feeding and venom

Centipedes are active predators. They use modified front legs called forcipules to inject venom and immobilize prey.

Distinguishing centipedes from millipedes

Centipedes generally move faster, have flatter bodies, and have one pair of legs per segment. Millipedes are typically more cylindrical and have two pairs of legs per segment.

Human interaction

Centipede bites or stings to humans are usually painful and may cause swelling, but serious outcomes are uncommon. Small house centipedes are often harmless to people, while larger tropical species can be more problematic. Centipedes are found in Canada, including in homes, gardens, and natural habitats; Canadian readers may encounter house centipedes indoors, which are generally harmless predators of other small arthropods.

Key facts

  • Centipedes are myriapod arthropods, not insects.
  • They have one pair of legs per body segment, unlike millipedes.
  • All centipedes are venomous and can inflict painful stings or bites.
  • They are mainly carnivorous and eat other arthropods, worms, and sometimes other centipedes.
  • Centipedes are generally shy but larger species can cause painful envenomation.
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Canadian context

Centipedes are found in Canada, including in homes, gardens, and natural habitats. Canadian readers may encounter house centipedes indoors; these are generally harmless predators of other small arthropods.[12][15]

Frequently asked questions

How many legs does a centipede have?
Centipedes usually have between 15 and 191 pairs of legs, depending on the species and age; recorded totals range from about 30 to 382 legs.
Are centipedes dangerous?
Most centipedes are not dangerous to humans, but they are venomous and can cause painful bites or stings. Larger species are more likely to cause swelling or stronger reactions.
What do centipedes eat?
Centipedes are carnivores that eat insects and other arthropods, worms, and sometimes other centipedes.
How long do centipedes live?
Lifespan varies by species, and some sources describe house centipedes as living up to about five years. Lifespan is not uniform across all centipedes.
What is the difference between a centipede and a millipede?
Centipedes usually have one pair of legs per body segment, flatter bodies, and are predators. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment and are generally more cylindrical.
Can centipedes bite?
Yes. Centipedes can bite or sting using venomous modified front legs called forcipules, and the result can be painful.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centipede
    Supports: General anatomy, venom, leg count range, and centipede-vs-millipede distinction.
  2. Missouri Department of Conservation — https://www.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/centipedes
    Supports: Body form, leg count range, and segment-leg pattern.
  3. Australian Museum — https://www.australian.museum/learn/animals/centipedes/
    Supports: Myriapod classification, leg-pair pattern, and centipede-vs-millipede distinction.
  4. National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/cato/learn/nature/insects.htm
    Supports: Diet, venom use, human bite effects, and centipede-vs-millipede comparison.
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/centipede
    Supports: General taxonomic description and predatory nature.
  6. Museums Victoria — https://museumsvictoria.com.au/article/do-centipedes-really-have-100-legs/
    Supports: Leg count facts and human bite severity context.
  7. Penn State Extension — https://extension.psu.edu/house-centipedes/
    Supports: House centipede behavior and approximate lifespan.
  8. Iowa State University Extension — https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2006/feb/070301.htm
    Supports: Human interaction, bite likelihood, and severity context.