House Centipede Other Names: Common Alternatives and Their Identifiers

House centipedes often spark fear, but knowing their alternative names helps with accurate identification and effective pest management in homes.

Beyond 'house centipede,' these pests are known by various names including 'scuttling centipede,' 'funnel centipede,' and 'mold centipede.' Each term reflects their habitat and movement—often found scurrying across floors and basements, especially in damp, dark areas. These nicknames aid homeowners and pest professionals in clear communication about control measures.

In different regions, house centipedes are referred to as "Scutigeromorpha", the order name, or locally as "tunnel centipedes" in some parts of North America. While scientific classification remains precise, everyday usage varies, making awareness of local terminology crucial for effective identification and timely intervention.

Using accurate house centipede terminology enhances communication with pest control experts and prevents mismanagement. Recognizing these alternative names ensures timely identification, allowing for targeted solutions that minimize risk to households while respecting the role these creatures play in controlling other household pests.

Understanding the diverse names for house centipedes empowers homeowners with clearer insight into pest control. By learning these alternate identifiers, you can act confidently and promptly when encountering these arthropods, ensuring safer, more informed home management.

Scutigera coleoptrata, also known as the house-centipede, is a species of centipede that is typically yellowish-gray and has up to 15 pairs of long legs. Originating in the Mediterranean region, it has spread to other parts of the world, where it can live in human homes. [1].

House Centipede You'll find this aptly-named centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) all over North America, as well as Hawaii. It can grow from 1- to 1-1/2-in. long.

Although a large one can look fearsome with its fifteen pairs of legs, it's basically harmless, though it can inflict a painful nip if handled. Its yellow-gray body features three stripes running along the back, plus long antennae. The most common types of centipedes include: 1.

House Centipede House Centipede House Centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) are yellow/gray with up to fifteen pairs of long legs. They originate in the Mediterranean and have spread throughout the world, living in human homes. They kill and eat other arthropods, including insects and spiders.

House centipedes prey on other household pests like cockroaches and termites, but you may not want them in your home. Learn what to do if you have them. House centipedes feed on silverfish, firebrats, carpet beetle larvae, cockroaches, spiders, and other small arthropods.

If house centipedes are seen frequently, this indicates that some prey arthropod is in abundance, and may signify a greater problem than the presence of the centipedes (Figure 3). Figure 3. House centipede feeding on a cockroach.

The House Centipede is a very common sight throughout North America, particularly in indoor locations that have high moisture. They are no stranger to bathtubs and will sometimes emerge from drain holes. Other house locations that they may be found in or around are the crawlspace, the porch area (drawn in by porch lights), and wash basins.

Did you know house centipedes always have odd numbered pairs of legs? Find more facts and information about centipedes. Life History and Habits: Typical of all centipedes, the house centipede is a predator of insects and other small invertebrates, immobilizing them with a pair of specialized fang-like front legs (maxillipeds). Family Scutigeridae Genus Scutigera Species coleoptrata (House Centipede) Explanation of Names Scutigera coleoptrata (Linnaeus 1758) Size body up to 50 mm, usually 25‒30 mm.

Latin Name: Scutigera coleoptrata Latin Family Name: Scutigeridae Common Name: House Centipede Other Names: N/A Origin: This species is native to Mexico, and is now found in the United States from coast to coast. Biology: The house centipede is an eerie-looking animal, with 15 pairs of extremely long legs that give the impression of a feather moving across the floor or wall. It normally occurs.