Monday, October 11, 2010

Centipede

Despite the name (Latin prefix centi-, "hundred", and pes, pedis, "foot"), centipedes can have a varying number of legs; ranging from under 20 to over 300. Discovered in a wide variety of environments, their size can vary from a few millimetres to approximately 12 inches. Centipedes are known to eat lizards, frogs, birds, and bats; as well as rodents and spiders.

Known as "generalist predators", centipedes have adapted to eat a variety of available prey. Although smaller centipedes usually do not puncture human skin, some species of centipede can be hazardous to humans; as a result of their bite.

Centipedes have a wide geographical range, reaching beyond the Arctic Circle. This group of pests has been discovered by exterminating companies, in an array of terrestrial habitats; ranging from tropical rainforests to deserts. Centipedes lose water quickly through their skin, and as such; are often found in damp soil and leaf litter, under stones, inside dead wood and logs.

Read more about centipedes.

2 comments:

  1. The centipede is not generally a pest that people are concerned about. Nevertheless, a bite from this invader, can cause a variety of side-effects. If you have questions about centipedes or the risk to your family, contact an exterminator or pest control expert; for answers to frequently asked questions.

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  2. Because centipedes lose water quickly through their skin, a pest control services company will often begin their search for centipede pests; in damp soil, leaf litter, under stones and inside dead wood or logs.

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