Poisonous centipede: which centipedes are the most dangerous
Centipedes and centipedes cause horror and disgust in humans. Although they are most often not dangerous to humans, the view is definitely repulsive. However, there are also poisonous representatives of the species - centipedes, which you need to get to know in order to know who to be afraid of.
Content
Who is a centipede
Centipede or centipede - an invertebrate with an awesome look.
Scolopendra.
They have a flat body and a large number of limbs that end in claws.
Animals are active predators, they feed on small insects, cockroaches, aphids and even rodents. They help gardeners and gardeners fight garden pests. But some of them can attack people.
Most species live in humid and warm conditions. They are more common in tropical and subtropical climates. There are animals in the Crimea.
centipede centipede
A prominent representative of centipedes is scolopendra. It feeds on invertebrates and insects, but there are also species that prey on larger prey.
Skolopendra looks very attractive if you look at it from the side and do not touch it. It is graceful, flexible, shiny, and shades can be from golden to red, purple and even green.
Danger to people
Some centipedes bite people. Not for hunting purposes, but for self-defense. A bite in strength is like a bee, but the consequences are a little more. He:
- hurts;
Scolopendra bite.
- the place swells;
- dizziness appears;
- headache begins;
- body temperature rises.
The bite site should be washed and wiped with alcohol. In case of an allergy, consult a doctor.
If the meeting with the centipede was accidental and this animal ran over the naked body, irritation may appear from the secret that is produced on the body. The owners of an invertebrate who have centipedes as a pet also risk the same.
The nature of the animal is an introvert. It does not need company and does not tolerate encroachment on territory and housing.
Animal danger
For those animals who become a victim of scolopendra, the fate is sealed. They are dying. They prefer to hunt at night, attacking their victims after waiting.
With its large number of limbs, and there can be up to several tens of pairs, it covers the victim and holds it tightly, injects poison and waits for it to become numb. Then she either immediately eats, or carries her victim in reserve.
Food can be:
- insects;
- lizards;
- frogs;
- snakes;
- rodents;
- birds.
poisonous centipede
Scolopendra protects offspring.
The Chinese red centipede is considered the most poisonous. Surprisingly, she is one of the few centipede species that can live in a community. They are friendly and warm to their offspring, guarding the masonry until the young generation hatches.
Its poison causes discomfort and inconvenience; for humans, the bite is dangerous, but not fatal. However, the Chinese use animal venom in alternative medicine - it saves from rheumatism, accelerates the healing of wounds and skin diseases.
Hunting for prey in the Chinese red centipede is the same as any other species. Except that the venom contains several powerful toxins.
The mechanism of action of the poison is simple: it blocks the exchange of potassium in the body, which causes malfunctions in the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
By comparison, a captured mouse, 15 times larger than a centipede, dies from a bite in 30 seconds.
Crimean centipede
Crimean or ringed scolopendra not large, but not harmless. And unlike tropical species, it can be found in the south of Russia.
Contact with this invertebrate causes allergies, the bite causes swelling and redness. They prefer not to contact a person without permission, but they can climb into houses, shoes and industrial buildings in search of shelter.
How to protect yourself from centipedes
If a meeting with a centipede is inevitable, you need to try to protect yourself as much as possible.
- Check shoes and place of residence.
- Do not dig with bare hands in foliage, debris and under stones.
- In nature, wear closed shoes and clothing.
- If you need to catch, then use a container or tight gloves.
Conclusion
Poison centipedes exist. They do not cause mortal harm to people, but insects and small pests of scolopendra bring death. But they should be feared so as not to heal the bite wound.
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