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Centipedes, also known as centipedes, flycatchers, flycatchers, woodlice and even centipedes - these insects have a surprising variety of names. But are they all really insects? There are a huge number of different insects in nature, but millipedes are not one of them.
Who are centipedes?
A centipede is an invertebrate animal belonging to the phylum arthropod. This phylum includes insects and centipedes. The size of centipedes can vary depending on the species and habitat. The body length of centipedes starts from 2 mm and in rare cases can exceed 40 cm. These animals are far from friendly: they are predatory and very dexterous, they hunt mainly at night, and some species are even poisonous. Centipedes prefer moist forests and can live in the ground, tall grass or trees.
Most centipedes are small in size and harmless to humans, but their bright colors and strange appearance can cause fear in people. At first glance, it seems that these creatures consist almost entirely of legs, even on the head, but this is not entirely true. In front they have a pair of antennae and two pairs of jaws - upper and lower. The body of a centipede is divided into many segments, each of which has its own pair of legs. Depending on the species, a centipede can have from 15 to 191 segments.
How many legs does a centipede have?
It seems that the answer to this question is on the surface, but this is far from the case. It is interesting that so far neither biologists nor other scientists have discovered a centipede with 40 legs. In nature, it is almost impossible to find a centipede with an even number of pairs of legs, with the exception of one case. In 1999, a centipede with 96 legs, equaling 48 pairs, was discovered by a British student. Female California centipedes can have up to 750 legs.
More recently, in 2020, a record holder among centipedes was found. This small centipede, less than 10 cm in length, has 653 pairs of legs. I wonder how it was named. This species was discovered underground, at a depth of up to 60 meters. It was named Eumillipes persephone in honor of the Greek goddess Persephone, who, like this centipede, lives in the world of the underground depths, in the kingdom of Hades.
One might wonder whether large scolopendras should not have more legs. The answer is no! They have only 21 to 23 pairs of legs. This fewer number of limbs gives them greater mobility and speed. In addition, they are able to secrete poison that is dangerous for small animals, allowing them to hunt mice, frogs and even birds.
How did the centipede get its name?
This has been the case since ancient times, and the main thing is not to take it literally. Historically, the number 40 symbolized duration and significance, even having connotations of infinity. Perhaps this is the reason for the name “centipede”. Additionally, the number 40 has a biblical context. In scientific circles, such invertebrates are usually called centipedes.
Variety of centipedes
Centipedes are one of the most ancient inhabitants of the Earth. The remains of fossil centipedes found in research go back to ancient times - more than 425 million years ago.
To date, scientists have studied more than 12 species of millipedes. These creatures are diverse in body structure and methods of reproduction.
Reproduction of centipedes
The centipede leads a solitary lifestyle and only during the breeding season it releases special substances, such as pheromones, to attract a male.
The mating process in centipedes occurs in a very unique way. The male builds a shelter in which he places a sac with seminal fluid. The female enters this shelter and fertilization occurs there. A few days later, the female lays eggs in the same shelter and never leaves it.
One clutch can contain from 50 to 150 eggs. To provide protection from enemies, the centipede coats the eggs with sticky mucus. In addition, she treats the eggs with a special antifungal substance, preventing mold.
How long do centipedes live?
Young centipedes have only four pairs of legs and have a white body color. However, with each subsequent molt, a new segment and pair of limbs are added to their body until they reach sexual maturity. Some species of centipedes can live up to 6 years.
Fighting centipedes
If you find centipedes in your home and their appearance is not systematic, you can use sticky traps to combat them. Usually other insects living in the house also fall into such traps.
If the number of pests is significant, you can use various aerosols with cyfluthrin and permenthrin. However, it should be remembered that all aerosols are toxic, so before use you must carefully read the instructions for use and follow safety precautions.
A natural and safe alternative to chemicals is diatomaceous earth, a white powder obtained from algae residues. Simply by sprinkling the powder, you can get rid of various household insects.
Professional pest control
If independent attempts to get rid of centipedes do not lead to results, it is recommended to turn to professionals. To destroy these arthropods, specialists use modern insecticides, such as FOS, peretroids and others. All drugs used must have appropriate certificates for safe use in residential premises.
In addition to high-quality insecticides, pest control agents use professional equipment to spray chemicals. This allows you to penetrate into the most inaccessible places and even into the smallest cracks, treating every centimeter of the house. Certain areas often require re-treatment, such as vents, pipes, basements and wet areas. This technology allows you to quickly and effectively get rid of unwanted pests and destroy their larvae.
F.A.Q.
Why is it better not to touch centipedes?
Most species of centipedes pose no threat to humans, but some can cause nuisance. The bite of the great centipede is painful and can cause swelling and burning. Side effects such as nausea and dizziness may occur, but they usually do not last longer than two days. Some species of millipedes produce a poison that causes skin and eye irritation. In any case, it is recommended to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What benefits do centipedes bring?
As you remember, one of the names of centipedes is flycatcher. And this is no coincidence. Although they are pests, in an apartment or house, centipedes can destroy other unwanted insects such as termites, cockroaches, fleas, flies and others.
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