Desert Centipede

Scolopendra polymorpha

Color: Yellow, Tan or reddish brown

Size: 10 – 20 cm

Shape: Long and segmented

Nutrition: Carnivorous

Habitat: South Western USA, Mexico

General Behavior

They usually like areas such as rocks, logs and avoid sunlight. They adapt to desert and semi-desert environments.

They hunt at night and spend the day in burrows to protect themselves from the heat.

They lay their eggs in moist and sheltered areas. They neutralize their prey with their poisonous bites.

Threats

Their venomous bites cause severe pain, swelling and redness in humans. It is rarely life-threatening.

They avoid human contact. They become aggressive when threatened.

How Do We Recognize Infestation?

Live sightings in basements or buildings close to a desert environment.