Centipedes usually lay 15-55 eggs clustered together in the soil although the eggs of some species are laid singly. The eggs hatch soon after they are deposited. The female will usually guard the eggs and the newly hatched young. Young centipedes closely resemble the adults and require 3 years to mature. Centipedes are rather long-lived and individuals may live up to 6 years.

Centipedes are many-legged animals and belong to a group of animals called Chilopods. 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 one to six inches. They have one pair of antennae or "feelers" that are easily seen.

class JR centipedes

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.

Neither centipedes nor millipedes damage furnishings, home or food. Their only importance is that of annoying or frightening individuals.

Index