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Poisonous Centipedes

All centipedes produce venom with which to subdue their prey. However, centipede bites are typically more painful for humans than they are dangerous.

Centipedes possess maxillipeds, a modified pair of front legs that curve around the head and behind the mandibles. Maxillipeds enter a victim's tissue and inject venom produced by a gland at their base. Small centipedes' maxillipeds are too weak to penetrate human skin and their bite typically yields only minor discomfort, similar to that caused by a bee's sting. 

The Amazonian giant centipede is the largest of all centipedes and can grow to be longer than 35 millimeters. The Amazonian giant centipede is maroon in color and has 46 yellow-tinted legs, which enable it to move quickly and climb well. These poisonous centipedes sometimes consume large animals and are found in rainforests, as well as on islands. While a bite from an Amazonian giant centipede can be dangerous, its venom does not prove lethal to the average human adult.

The most potent of centipede venoms contain acetylcholine, histamine and serotonin. In some species, 5-hydroxytryptamine, hemolytic phospholipase A and a cardiotoxic protein are also present. 

 Individuals with other insect allergies should observe their symptoms closely in the event of a centipede bite. Beyond the initial pain caused by an attack, possible side effects include severe swelling, chills, fever and weakness. In the event of a severe allergic reaction, emergency medical services should be contacted immediately.

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