Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 5179027
House Centipede
Scutigera coleoptrataAlso known as Spider Centipede, Thousand-Legger
House centipedes navigate walls and floors with astonishing agility, utilizing 15 pairs of long, thread-like legs that keep their bodies elevated above surfaces. These nocturnal arthropods act as relentless free-roaming pest control in human dwellings, actively stalking silverfish, carpet beetle larvae, and young cockroaches. Their compound-like eyes and sensitive antennae allow them to detect and overtake nimble prey in total darkness.
NocturnalFastPredatory
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Silverfish
- Cockroaches
- Spiders
Predators
- Domestic Cats
- Spiders
- Birds
ThreatsPesticides, indoor eradication
HabitatsHuman dwellings, basements, bathrooms, damp crawlspaces, leaf litter
Life span3–7 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyScutigeridae
- SpeciesScutigera coleoptrata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Capable of a mild defensive sting that rarely pierces human skin; handle with care or observe from a distance.
Responsible observation
- Indoor Pest Control: Leave them alone in basements or bathrooms to naturally reduce insect populations.
- Gentle Relocation: Trap them with a cup and cardboard slide if you prefer to move them outside.
- Humidity Management: Reduce indoor moisture levels with dehumidifiers to control their numbers.
Prey 
Competitor (c) Michael, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael · cc-by
Distant Relative (c) Juan Rodríguez, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Juan Rodríguez · cc-by
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