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Centipede Venom

Centipedes are arthropods belonging to Class Chilopoda. They are predatory and venomous. Venom is produced by a gland at the base of the fangs and is administered by maxillipeds on the first body segment. Upon capturing prey, the poison gland is squeezed by the muscles surrounding it and ejects toxins through needle-like ducts.

Smaller variants of centipedes, such as the orange-hued Scolopocryptops, produce nothing more than a painful, localized reaction, not unlike a bee sting. Larger species, however, administer more venom through a bite and can produce more extreme pain.  While centipede bites can be extremely painful, they are not generally fatal to humans. Pain from a centipede bite may last up to several days. However, an experiment conducted in the 1920's concluded that the pain most commonly subsides after a number of hours. There can be swelling around the bite and some victims may experience nausea, sweating and the swelling of lymph nodes following an attack.

Small children and those with known allergies should be observed carefully in the wake of a centipede bite. If more severe reactions occur, a medical professional should be contacted immediately. 

How Many Legs Does a Centipede Have?

What is the Difference Between Centipedes and Millipedes?

Number of Legs on a Centipede

Centipede Eggs

Centipedes and Millipedes

Centipedes Reproductive Cycles

What Do Centipedes Eat?

Centipede Larvae