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House Centipede

House Centipede

Scutigera coleoptrata

A species of Scutigera

The house Centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is an eater of insects or arachnids that gets its name from being inside of people's houses. Its interactions with humans tend to be limited to a scream followed by surprisingly fast scurrying from the insectivore. The house Centipede is typically too weak to pierce human skin, so there are few cases of bites

Bite Humans
Bite Humans
Does the House Centipede cause allergies?
Allergenic
General Info About House Centipede
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Attributes of House Centipede
Colors
Brown
Black
Purple
Habitat
cool and damp place; house
Adult Food Sources
Insects, spiders, centipedes, silverfish, cockroaches
Venomous
The House Centipede can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The House Centipede typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
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Species Status of House Centipede
It is indigenous to the Mediterranean region, but it has spread through much of Europe, Asia, North America and South America. It is thought to have first been introduced to the Americas in Mexico and Guatemala and now it reaches north into Canada and south to Argentina. Today it can be found in many other countries.
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Distribution Area of House Centipede
Mediterranean, Europe, Asia, North America
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Appearance of House Centipede
Scutigera coleoptrata is a small, typically yellowish-grey centipede with up to 15 pairs of long legs. The body of an adult Scutigera coleoptrata is 2.5 - 3.5 cm in length. Together with the antennae they give the centipede an appearance of being 8 - 10 cm in length. Its body is yellowish-grey and has three dark dorsal stripes running down its length; the legs also have dark stripes. Scutigera coleoptrata has developed automimicry in that its tail-like hind legs present the appearance of antennae.
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How to Identify House Centipede?

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Predators of Adult House Centipede
Birds, rodents, larger arthropods, spiders
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Interesting Facts About House Centipede
House Centipede can reach speeds of up to 0.6 meters per second, making it one of the fastest terrestrial invertebrates.
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Scientific Classification of House Centipede
Tips for Finding House Centipede
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Youth Habitat of House Centipede
Urban and Suburban Areas, Caves and Subterranean Areas
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Adult Habitat of House Centipede
Urban and Suburban Areas, Caves and Subterranean Areas
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How Can You Attract House Centipede
Given that house Centipede are carnivorous, traps for capturing them may include small insects like flies or crickets as bait.
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How and Where Can You Find House Centipede at Different Life Stages
Juvenile Juvenile house Centipedes are smaller but similar in appearance to adults. They can be found by looking under rocks, logs, and other debris in damp areas, particularly during the night.
Adult Adult house Centipedes often seek out prey and can be found moving along walls and ceilings. Spotting them may be easier at night when they are most active. It's recommended to use a flashlight and check around the corners, behind furniture, and near any water sources inside homes.
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The house Centipede has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.

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Are House Centipede harmful to humans?

The house Centipede is not normally hostile to humans but will attack if threatened. Centipedes have a stinging, venomous bite that is rarely harmful to humans. In most cases, the bite may result in a little swelling, redness, and pain that only lasts a few hours or days. However, some may develop an allergic reaction to the venom and have more serious symptoms that include fever, chills, nausea, swollen lymph nodes, and heart palpitations. A medical professional should be consulted if these symptoms occur.
House Centipedes love anywhere that is dark and damp. Use caution when in basements, forests, gardens, or near crawl spaces. Turn your lights on when walking through the house at night, as centipedes are nocturnal.
Harmful Effects of House Centipede
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Bite Humans
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Bite Humans

House Centipede does not typically exhibit biting behavior towards humans. They may defensively bite if handled or threatened, but their mandibles are designed predominately for hunting smaller prey, not for penetrating human skin. Bites are extremely rare, typically harmless, and result in mild irritation at most.

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Does the House Centipede cause allergies?

Exposure to house Centipede's body parts and fecal matter, particularly from adults, may cause mild allergies in a small number of individuals through inhalation. While most interactions are harmless, sensitive individuals might experience common allergy symptoms. The risk of severe reactions is low; however, those with sensitivities should minimize contact and maintain clean living spaces.

More Effects of House Centipede

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