Types of Centipedes in North Carolina
Introduction
North Carolina is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various species of centipedes. These fascinating arthropods are known for their long, segmented bodies and numerous legs. In this article, we will explore the different types of centipedes found in North Carolina, their characteristics, habitats, and behaviors. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply curious about the local fauna, this guide will provide you with valuable insights into the world of centipedes.
1. House Centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata)
The house centipede is one of the most common types of centipedes found in North Carolina. With its elongated body and numerous legs, it can appear quite intimidating. However, this centipede is harmless to humans and serves as a beneficial predator, feeding on other household pests like spiders, cockroaches, and silverfish. House centipedes prefer damp environments, such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces.
2. Eastern Red Centipede (Scolopocryptops sexspinosus)
The Eastern red centipede is a native species found in North Carolina. It has a reddish-brown coloration and can grow up to 6 inches in length. This centipede is known for its aggressive behavior and venomous bite, although its venom is not harmful to humans. Eastern red centipedes are typically found in forested areas, under logs, rocks, and leaf litter.
3. Soil Centipede (Geophilomorpha)
The soil centipede is a diverse group of centipedes that inhabit the soil and leaf litter in North Carolina. They have long, slender bodies with numerous legs and are often mistaken for worms due to their similar appearance. Soil centipedes play a crucial role in soil health, as they feed on organic matter and help with decomposition. They are commonly found in gardens, forests, and other natural habitats.
4. Tropical Centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes)
The tropical centipede, also known as the Vietnamese centipede, is an invasive species found in North Carolina. It is one of the largest centipede species, growing up to 8 inches in length. Tropical centipedes have a bright orange coloration and venomous fangs, making them potentially dangerous to humans. They are often found in urban areas, hiding in dark and moist places such as basements and crawl spaces.
5. Stone Centipede (Lithobiomorpha)
The stone centipede is a common type of centipede found in North Carolina. It has a flattened body and is typically brown or gray in color. Stone centipedes are nocturnal predators, feeding on small insects and other invertebrates. They are often found under rocks, stones, and logs, as well as in gardens and natural areas. Stone centipedes are harmless to humans and serve as beneficial predators in controlling pest populations.
6. Forest Centipede (Cryptops hortensis)
The forest centipede is a species commonly found in wooded areas of North Carolina. It has a dark brown or black coloration and can grow up to 2 inches in length. Forest centipedes are skilled hunters, using their venomous fangs to capture and immobilize their prey. They are often found under leaf litter, logs, and rocks, as well as in rotting wood and decaying organic matter.
7. House Centipede (Lithobius forficatus)
The house centipede, also known as the stone centipede, is a widespread species found in North Carolina. It has a slender body and is typically yellowish-brown in color. House centipedes are fast-moving predators, capable of capturing and subduing their prey with their venomous fangs. They are often found in homes, particularly in damp areas such as bathrooms and basements.
8. Bark Centipede (Scutigeromorpha)
The bark centipede is a unique type of centipede found in North Carolina. It has a flattened body and is typically brown or gray in color. Bark centipedes are well-adapted to climbing, with specialized legs that allow them to navigate tree bark and other vertical surfaces. They are often found in forests, where they feed on small insects and arthropods.
9. Stone Centipede (Hemiscolopendra marginata)
The stone centipede, also known as Hemiscolopendra, is a native species found in North Carolina. It has a cylindrical body and is typically brown or reddish-brown in color. Stone centipedes are skilled hunters, using their venomous fangs to subdue their prey. They are often found in gardens, leaf litter, and other natural habitats.
10. Desert Centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha)
The desert centipede is a unique species found in North Carolina. It has a flattened body and is typically light brown or tan in color. Desert centipedes are well-adapted to arid environments, with the ability to conserve water and withstand high temperatures. They are often found in sandy areas, deserts, and other dry habitats.
11. Tiger Centipede (Scolopendra alternans)
The tiger centipede is a strikingly colored species found in North Carolina. It has a black body with yellow or orange stripes, resembling the pattern of a tiger. Tiger centipedes are agile predators, capable of capturing and subduing their prey with their venomous fangs. They are often found in forests, leaf litter, and other natural habitats.
12. Woodland Centipede (Lithobius curtipes)
The woodland centipede is a common species found in wooded areas of North Carolina. It has a slender body and is typically brown or reddish-brown in color. Woodland centipedes are skilled climbers, using their specialized legs to navigate trees and other vertical surfaces. They are often found under bark, leaf litter, and decaying wood.
13. Stone Centipede (Lithobius variegatus)
The stone centipede, also known as Lithobius variegatus, is a widespread species found in North Carolina. It has a slender body and is typically brown or gray in color. Stone centipedes are agile predators, capable of capturing and subduing their prey with their venomous fangs. They are often found in gardens, leaf litter, and other natural habitats.
14. Forest Centipede (Geophilus flavus)
The forest centipede, also known as Geophilus flavus, is a native species found in North Carolina. It has a long, slender body and is typically yellowish-brown in color. Forest centipedes are skilled hunters, using their venomous fangs to capture and immobilize their prey. They are often found in forests, leaf litter, and other natural habitats.
15. House Centipede (Scutigera forceps)
The house centipede, also known as Scutigera forceps, is a common species found in North Carolina. It has a slender body and is typically yellowish-brown in color. House centipedes are fast-moving predators, capable of capturing and subduing their prey with their venomous fangs. They are often found in homes, particularly in damp areas such as bathrooms and basements.
16. Mountain Centipede (Lithobius microps)
The mountain centipede, also known as Lithobius microps, is a species found in the mountainous regions of North Carolina. It has a slender body and is typically brown or gray in color. Mountain centipedes are skilled climbers, using their specialized legs to navigate steep slopes and rocky terrain. They are often found under rocks, logs, and other natural debris.
17. House Centipede (Lithobius forficatus)
The house centipede, also known as Lithobius forficatus, is a widespread species found in North Carolina. It has a slender body and is typically yellowish-brown in color. House centipedes are fast-moving predators, capable of capturing and subduing their prey with their venomous fangs. They are often found in homes, particularly in damp areas such as bathrooms and basements.
18. Forest Centipede (Lithobius pilicornis)
The forest centipede, also known as Lithobius pilicornis, is a native species found in North Carolina. It has a long, slender body and is typically brown or reddish-brown in color. Forest centipedes are skilled hunters, using their venomous fangs to capture and immobilize their prey. They are often found in forests, leaf litter, and other natural habitats.
19. Stone Centipede (Lithobius calcaratus)
The stone centipede, also known as Lithobius calcaratus, is a common species found in North Carolina. It has a slender body and is typically brown or gray in