Did you know that centipedes are actually not insects but belong to the Chilopoda class and are small arthropods?
While these many-legged creatures might send shivers down your spine, understanding the different types of centipedes in New York can help you identify what’s crawling around your home and determine whether they pose any real threat.
New York’s diverse climate and varied ecosystems provide ideal habitats for numerous centipede species, from the lightning-fast house centipede darting across your bathroom floor to the soil-dwelling giants lurking beneath garden beds.
This comprehensive guide will help you identify nine distinct centipede species found throughout the Empire State, understand their behaviors, and learn practical management strategies.
Understanding Centipede Basics in New York
Before diving into specific species, it’s essential to understand what makes centipedes unique.
The class is further broken down into four orders identified as Scutigeromorpha, Scolopendromorpha, Lithobiomorpha and Geophilomorpha, each differed by varying leg segments and total number of legs.
Key Centipede Characteristics:
- One pair of legs per body segment
- Predatory arthropods that hunt other insects
- Range from harmless household helpers to potentially concerning biters
- Active primarily during nighttime hours
Safety Note: While most New York centipedes are harmless to humans, some species can deliver painful bites. Always exercise caution when handling or encountering unknown centipede species.
1. House Centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata)
The house centipede stands as New York’s most commonly encountered centipede species. Scutigera coleoptrata, also known as the house centipede, is a species of centipede that is typically yellowish-grey and has up to 15 pairs of long legs.
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: 1 to 1.5 inches
- Color: Yellowish-grey with dark stripes
- 15 pairs of slender legs that are encircled by dark and white bands
- Distinctive long antennae and compound eyes
Habitat and Behavior: House centipedes prefer moist environments and are frequently found in basements, bathrooms, and other humid areas of homes. They move with incredible speed and are beneficial predators, hunting cockroaches, silverfish, and other household pests.
Identification Tips:
- Extremely fast movement when disturbed
- Long, striped legs that break off easily when grabbed
- Often seen running along walls and ceilings
- Most active during nighttime hours
Homeowner Benefit: House centipedes are actually beneficial, as they actively hunt and eliminate many common household pests including cockroaches, moths, and silverfish.
2. Eastern Red Centipede (Scolopocryptops sexspinosus)
Scolopocryptops sexspinosus, the eastern red centipede, is a species of centipede in the family Scolopocryptopidae found in North America. This species represents one of the more impressive centipedes found in New York.
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: 2 to 4 inches
- Color: Reddish-brown body with bright yellow legs
- Flattened body structure
- Powerful mandibles for capturing prey
Habitat and Behavior: Eastern red centipedes prefer outdoor environments, living under rocks, logs, and leaf litter. The Eastern Red Centipede is known for its agile nature and lightning-fast stride. Since their bodies are more flattened than other species, they can easily maneuver through the smallest areas.
Caution Level: This species can deliver painful bites to humans, though they are not dangerous. They are aggressive hunters and will bite if handled or threatened.
3. Stone Centipede (Lithobius forficatus)
The Brown Centipede (Lithobius forficatus) is also known as the stone centipede and is common in Europe, though it is distributed throughout the world. This hardy species has established populations throughout New York.
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: Up to 30mm (approximately 1.2 inches)
- Color: Chestnut brown
- 15 pairs of legs
- Relatively robust body structure
Habitat and Behavior: Stone centipedes live in the upper layers of soil, under rocks, and in rotting wood. They are excellent hunters of small insects and play important ecological roles in garden environments.
4. Soil Centipede (Geophilus spp.)
Soil centipedes represent multiple species within the Geophilus genus found throughout New York. These creatures are a bit flatter than most centipedes. Since they spend most of their time underground, Soil Centipedes have no eyes.
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: 1 to 2 inches
- Color: Yellowish to light brown
- Eyeless (adapted for underground life)
- Worm-like movement pattern
Unique Behaviors:
- They move through the soil like an earthworm, pushing the front of their body forward and dragging the back towards it before repeating the process
- Rarely seen above ground
- Important soil ecosystem contributors
5. Eastern Bark Centipede (Hemiscolopendra marginata)
The eastern bark centipede represents a lesser-known but significant species in New York’s centipede diversity. These centipedes typically inhabit wooded areas and are found under bark and rotting logs.
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: 2 to 3 inches
- Color: Dark brown with lighter margins
- Robust build with powerful legs
- Well-developed sensory organs
Habitat Preferences:
- Deciduous and mixed forests
- Under loose bark of dead or dying trees
- Moist woodland environments
- Occasionally found in suburban areas with mature trees
6. Cryptopid Centipede (Cryptops hortensis)
Cryptops hortensis represents a group of small but significant centipedes found throughout New York’s diverse habitats.
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: 0.75 to 1.5 inches
- Color: Golden brown to dark brown
- Compact, robust body
- 21 pairs of legs
Ecological Role: These centipedes serve as important predators of small soil invertebrates and contribute significantly to ecosystem balance in gardens and natural areas.
7. Lilliputian Centipede (Strigamia spp.)
Despite their diminutive name, Lilliputian centipedes play crucial roles in New York’s soil ecosystems.
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: 0.5 to 1 inch
- Color: Pale yellow to light brown
- Thread-like appearance
- Numerous leg pairs (up to 50+)
Habitat and Behavior:
- Deep soil dwellers
- Feed on small soil organisms
- Important decomposer ecosystem contributors
- Rarely encountered by homeowners
8. Meadow Centipede (Stigmatogaster subterranea)
Meadow centipedes inhabit New York’s grasslands and suburban areas, contributing to natural pest control.
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: 1 to 2 inches
- Color: Light brown with darker segmentation
- Slender build
- 15 pairs of legs
Behavior and Benefits:
- Active hunters of lawn pests
- Important in maintaining healthy grass ecosystems
- Beneficial for natural lawn care
9. Common Cryptops Centipede (Cryptops spp.)
Multiple Cryptops species inhabit New York, representing some of the most adaptable centipedes in the region.
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: 1 to 2 inches
- Color: Various shades of brown
- Sturdy, compact build
- Strong mandibles
Adaptability Features:
- Tolerant of various soil conditions
- Found in both urban and rural environments
- Effective predators of garden pests
Centipede vs. Millipede: Key Differences
Understanding the difference between centipedes and millipedes helps with proper identification:
| Feature | Centipedes | Millipedes |
|---|---|---|
| Legs per segment | One pair | Two pairs |
| Body shape | Flattened | Cylindrical |
| Movement | Fast, darting | Slow, rolling |
| Diet | Predatory | Detritivore |
| Bite capability | Can bite | Cannot bite |
Managing Centipedes in Your New York Home
Natural Prevention Methods:
- Reduce moisture levels in basements and crawl spaces
- Seal cracks and crevices around foundations
- Remove leaf litter and debris from around your home
- Fix leaky pipes and improve ventilation
When to Call Professionals:
- Large populations indoors
- Encounters with potentially dangerous species
- Persistent problems despite prevention efforts
Environmental Consideration: Most centipedes provide beneficial pest control services. Consider tolerance and habitat modification before pursuing elimination methods.
Professional Resources: For persistent centipede issues, consult with licensed pest management professionals who understand New York’s specific species and can provide targeted, environmentally responsible solutions.
Seasonal Centipede Activity in New York
Spring (March-May):
- Increased outdoor activity as temperatures rise
- Mating season for many species
- Higher likelihood of indoor encounters
Summer (June-August):
- Peak activity period
- Greatest diversity of species active
- Optimal time for outdoor observations
Fall (September-November):
- Migration toward winter shelter
- Increased indoor invasions
- Preparation for winter dormancy
Winter (December-February):
- Reduced activity levels
- Indoor species remain active
- Most outdoor species enter dormancy
Safety and First Aid
While most New York centipedes pose minimal threat to humans, understanding proper response to bites remains important:
Immediate Care for Centipede Bites:
- Clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water
- Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain
- Monitor for signs of infection or allergic reaction
- Seek medical attention for severe reactions
Species Requiring Extra Caution:
- Eastern red centipede (painful bite potential)
- Larger Scolopendra species (rare but concerning)
Conclusion
New York’s diverse centipede population reflects the state’s rich ecological complexity. From the beneficial house centipede patrolling your basement to the soil-dwelling species maintaining garden health, these arthropods serve crucial environmental functions.
Understanding the types of centipedes in New York empowers homeowners to make informed decisions about management and appreciate the ecological benefits these creatures provide. Most species encountered in residential settings pose minimal risk while offering significant pest control benefits.
For additional information about New York’s arthropod diversity and management strategies, consult with local extension services, naturalist organizations, or licensed pest management professionals who understand regional species and can provide specialized guidance for your specific situation.
Remember that centipedes are generally beneficial creatures that help maintain ecological balance. With proper identification and understanding, you can coexist peacefully with these fascinating arthropods while maintaining a comfortable living environment.
