Home  /  Other Pests  /  Centipedes  /  Number of Legs on a Centipede 

Number of Legs on a Centipede

Despite the derivation of its name (the Latin stem centum means "one hundred" and pes/pedis means "foot"), most centipede species possess roughly 35 to 40 pairs of legs. It is rare, though not impossible, for a centipede to possess one hundred legs.

Like millipedes, centipedes are arthropods with jointed legs. However, while millipedes have more than one pair of legs attached to each of their body segments, centipedes have only one pair per segment. The number of segments present in these arthropods ranges from 15 to 173.  The American house centipede, or Scutigera coleopteran, has four pairs of legs after hatching and 15 as an adult. The additional body segments and legs come with each succeeding molt.

In all centipedes, the first body segment contains a pair of legs that has been optimized for hunting. This pair terminates in sharp claws equipped with poison ducts. Centipedes are capable of detaching their legs when predators seize them; they can regenerate these legs at a later time. 

Because of their legs, centipedes are known to be the quickest and most agile of non-flying arthropod predators. Their speed allows them to hunt insects such as cockroaches and houseflies. Some larger species are capable of capturing and consuming rodents. Their speed also allows them to evade most of their natural enemies, including birds, toads, young beetles, shrews and fellow centipedes.

How Many Legs Does a Centipede Have?

What is the Difference Between Centipedes and Millipedes?

Centipede Venom

Centipede Eggs

Centipedes and Millipedes

Centipedes Reproductive Cycles

What Do Centipedes Eat?

Centipede Larvae