Centipede Bite
Can Centipedes Bite People?
A centipede's pincer-like maxillipeds, also known as toxicognaths or "poison claws," are located adjacent to the head. They are used to bite (as opposed to sting) prey and predators, including other centipedes, and are capable of releasing toxic venom.
To defend themselves, centipedes also employ camouflage and aposematic, or warning, coloration, and can autotomize appendages, dropping segments grasped by predators in order to flee.
Symptoms from Centipede Bite
Victims from centipede bites are often gardeners. The sting administered through a centipede bite is typically harmless to humans and symptoms are fleeting, lasting only a few hours. However, the larger the specimen, the greater the pain will be. Small children and individuals with known insect allergies may experience more severe reactions.
Small puncture wounds may be discernible at the area of the bite. Local tissue swelling in the area of the bite may exhibit ruddiness or erythema. More severe symptoms include headache, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, anxiety and lymphangitis, a painful swelling of the lymph nodes.
Treatment for a Centipede Bite
Most centipede bites are treatable at home. Bite victims should wash the site with soap and water. A cold compress should then be applied at intervals of 10 minutes. For those with circulatory problems, these intervals may be decreased in order to prevent damage to the skin. Those with other insect allergies should monitor themselves closely following a centipede bite and may need to contact emergency medical services in the event of more severe symptoms. If pain persists for more than 12 hours or if severe symptoms are experienced, a medical professional should be consulted.
Centipedes Dangerous to Humans
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