Arkansas is home to several fascinating centipede species, each with unique characteristics and habitats.
These leggy arthropods belong to the class Chilopoda and can be found throughout the state’s diverse ecosystems.
The most common types of centipedes in Arkansas include the House Centipede, Giant Redheaded Centipede, Tiger Centipede, and Flag Tail Centipede, with the Giant Redheaded Centipede being the largest centipede in the nation and found primarily in northern and central parts of the state.
Despite their intimidating appearance, most centipedes play beneficial roles in controlling other pests around homes and gardens.
These swift-moving predators have one pair of legs per body segment and use venom to subdue their prey.
The Giant Redheaded Centipede can even catch larger prey like lizards and small rodents, showcasing the impressive hunting abilities of these arthropods.
For those concerned about centipedes in their homes, understanding these creatures is the first step toward effective management.
While chemical insecticides and bug killers are options for centipede control, many exterminators recommend less toxic approaches like sticky traps and reducing moisture in problem areas.
Arkansas is home to approximately five of the world’s 2,800 described centipede species, each with their own distinctive coloration, size, and behavior patterns.
1. Giant Redheaded Centipede
The giant redheaded centipede (Scolopendra heros) is the largest centipede in North America.
This impressive arthropod can be found in Arkansas, particularly in dry, rocky areas.
These centipedes are impossible to miss with their striking appearance.
They feature a bright red head, black body, and yellow legs, displaying aposematic coloration that warns predators of their dangerous nature.
They can grow impressively large, reaching lengths of up to 8 inches.
The variant commonly found in Arkansas is known as the “castaneiceps” variant of Scolopendra heros.
Diet and Hunting
- Small snakes
- Pinkie mice (baby mice)
- Small amphibians
- Insects
- Spiders
Giant redheaded centipedes are venomous predators. They use modified front legs called forcipules to inject venom into their prey and potential threats.
A bite from this centipede is not typically life-threatening to humans, but can be quite painful.
Their venom causes immediate pain, swelling, and inflammation at the bite site.
Some people may experience more severe reactions, including skin irritation that can last for several days. Those with allergies should seek medical attention if bitten.
Despite being venomous, these centipedes play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling populations of other arthropods and small vertebrates.
The giant redheaded centipede is most active at night. During the day, it typically hides under rocks, logs, or in leaf litter to avoid predators and heat.
2. House Centipede
The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is a yellowish-grey arthropod with up to 15 pairs of long, striped legs.
Unlike many pests, these centipedes are actually beneficial household residents that help control other insect populations.
House centipedes are easily identified by their numerous long legs and quick movements.
Adults typically reach 1-1.5 inches in body length, but their legs can make them appear much larger and more intimidating.
One distinctive feature of the house centipede is its excellent eyesight.
They possess well-developed, faceted eyes, which is unusual among centipedes. This vision helps them hunt effectively in homes.
These arthropods are skilled hunters that prey on:
- Cockroaches
- Silverfish
- Spiders
- Bed bugs
- Other household pests
Though likely not native to Arkansas, Scutigera coleoptrata has been introduced to North America and now inhabits houses throughout the state.
They prefer cool, moist environments and are commonly found in bathrooms and basements.
The reproductive cycle of house centipedes involves interesting parental care behaviors.
Females lay 35 eggs on average and often stay to protect their offspring until they hatch.
Young centipedes have fewer legs than adults and gain more with each molt.
It takes about three years for house centipedes to reach sexual maturity.
They can live for up to seven years, making them relatively long-lived compared to many household insects.
Despite their somewhat frightening appearance, house centipedes rarely bite humans and are generally considered harmless, beneficial predators that help reduce other pest populations in homes.
3. Stone Centipede
Stone centipedes (Lithobius spp.) belong to the genus Lithobius and are common arthropods found throughout Arkansas.
These small centipedes typically measure between 1-1.5 inches in length and display colors ranging from reddish-brown to dark brown.
Unlike some other centipede species, stone centipedes have fewer legs.
Juvenile stone centipedes start with only 7 pairs of legs (14 total) when they hatch from eggs, gradually developing more legs as they mature.
Stone centipedes prefer dark, moist environments with high humidity.
Common hiding places include:
- Under rocks and logs
- Inside rotting wood
- Beneath leaf litter
- In garden soil
- Within the crawl spaces of homes
These arthropods are most active at night when they hunt for prey.
Their diet consists mainly of small insects, spiders, and other tiny invertebrates found in their habitat.
During dry periods, stone centipedes often migrate into homes seeking moisture.
They commonly enter through foundation cracks and are frequently found in basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces where humidity levels remain high.
Despite their intimidating appearance, stone centipedes pose little threat to humans.
Their venom is mild and bites are rare, typically resulting in only minor pain and swelling similar to a bee sting.
In Arkansas, stone centipedes serve an important ecological role as predators of household pests.
They help control populations of silverfish, cockroaches, and other unwanted insects that might otherwise infest homes.
