There is an amazing diversity of types of centipedes that can be found in the state of Florida. From the ubiquitous House centipede to the magnificent Eastern Red centipede, these Florida centipede species each provide a distinct contribution to the regional ecology.
The warm, humid environment of the state is home to a variety of centipedes, including the fast-moving, slender House Centipede and the soil-dwelling Soil Centipedes, which are essential to the health of the soil.
Comprehending these species not only illuminates their ecological functions but also aids in the preservation and appreciation of Florida’s biodiversity.
Different Types of Centipede in Florida
Georgia Flat-backed Millipede
The black Georgia Flat-backed Millipede (Cherokia georgiana) has three yellow dots on each segment of its body, and its legs are yellow. Its antennae are roughly twice as long as its legs. The majority of specimens in the genus are yellow, although some may seem red or orange, demonstrating color diversity.
These millipedes differ in size in Florida as well; smaller ones are found at higher elevations, while larger ones are found nearer the water. Because of the differences in size and color, it may be difficult to identify the species. A social media Citizen Science initiative was started to learn more about the millipede’s distribution, and the results showed that it had a far larger habitat than previously believed.
Greenhouse Millipede
Originating in Japan, the Greenhouse Millipede (Oxidus gracilis) is a common sight in Florida. During trading trips, it traveled to the Americas and Eurasia. These millipedes reach a maximum length of 23 mm (1 in). Unlike many of their siblings, they have a lumpy look rather than a smooth, tubular body and are generally black or brown on top with white legs.
It’s interesting to note that greenhouse millipedes may spend an unusually long period of time underwater because they can maintain an air bubble around their spiracles. They have no sight, unlike other animals, and must use their antennae to navigate and locate food. They smell bad when threatened and are toxic to predators, but they don’t hurt people unless they eat them.
Eastern Red Centipede
It is easy to recognize the Eastern Crimson Centipede (Scolopocryptops sexspinosus) thanks to its brightly colored legs and consistently crimson upper surfaces. This centipede, which can reach a length of 6.5 cm (2.5 in), is renowned for having a terrible bite that is on par with some of its larger relatives.
The Eastern Red Centipede, which is found in Florida, can be rather aggressive in contrast to many other centipedes. It feeds on insects, earthworms, spiders, and lesser centipedes. It is a proficient hunter due to its speed and agility.
Its native habitat consists of burrowing in loose dirt, chunky bark, or moist forest litter, as well as underneath a variety of moist things, including wood, stone, bark, or flowerpots. Since it loves the wetness of its native habitat, it is rarely encountered indoors.
Long-Flange Millipede
The West Indies, the remote Galápagos Islands, and subtropical regions of Florida are all common habitats for the Long-Flange Millipede (Asiomorpha coarctata). These millipedes are native to Southeast Asia, but due to trade in goods and services, they have spread throughout the world. Despite being widely distributed, they have little effect on the environments in which they are placed; rather, they are essential for the recycling of minerals back into the environment.
These millipedes have a big yellow flange on each body segment and range in length from 1.4 to 2.8 cm (0.55 to 1.1 in). They are dark brown to black in color. They have reddish-brown legs.
Rusty Millipede
The larger and frequently confused earthworm Rusty Millipede (Trigoniulus corallinus) is easily identified by its pinkish-brown to brick-red hue. Its segmented body gives it a wormlike appearance, and the thin black stripes down its sides do not look unlike shadows. But as soon as you see its legs move, you can see that this is a millipede, not just any old worm.
In 2015, the genome of this species became the first millipede to be sequenced, providing important new information about the evolutionary relationships amongst arthropods such as millipedes, crabs, and lobsters. As long as there is an abundance of food and resources, Rusty Millipedes are recognized for their sociable demeanor and seldom fight with one another.
Yellow-Legged Millipede
The Yellow-Legged Millipede (Pleuroloma flavipes), sometimes referred to as the Flat-backed Millipede or the North American Millipede, is distinguished by its medium reddish-brown body with yellow stripes extending from edge to edge and brilliant yellow legs. They are notable for traveling in large groups and resembling a cherry-colored mat that is undulating across the landscape. They are sometimes referred to as Wandering Cherry Millipedes.
These millipedes, which are common in eastern Florida, live in a variety of habitats, such as beneath logs, fallen branches, and trees, but they stay away from coniferous trees. They shine remarkably intensely when exposed to UV light. The Yellow-Legged Millipede, in contrast to many other millipedes, is frequently found in fields and open spaces, where it plays an important role in recycling environmental debris and maintaining the food chain.
Brown Centipede
The Brown Centipede (Lithobius forficatus) is a dark reddish-brown, chestnut-like insect that ranges in length from 18 to 30 mm (0.7 to 1.1 in). It can be difficult to determine which end is in front when it has long antennas and a tail that match. But the bigger head, with its enormous fangs, gives it away. These teeth inject highly lethal venom into insects.
This species can have up to 15 pairs of legs when fully grown, and its main food sources include slugs, worms, spiders, and flies. In Florida, brown centipedes hunt at night and frequently hide during the day. They are found on tree bark, in compost piles, and in gardens, where they feed on insects. Often referred to as the “Gardener’s Friend,” they keep pests out of your garden by consuming animals that are bad for plants.
Eastern Bark Centipede
The olive-colored plates of the Eastern Bark Centipede (Hemiscolopendra marginata) are distinguished by a thin black stripe that runs the length of its body and a black fringe. Its maximum length is 75 mm (3 in). Its head is brownish-red, while its legs and antennae are delicate, translucent yellow. The species’ hue can also differ, ranging from light to dark blue or greyish-brown, with the armor plates encircled by black, green, or blue fringe.
The Eastern Bark Centipede is distinct from other Florida centipedes in that its venom is sexually dimorphic, meaning that the toxins produced by the males and females are different. While the venom of female centipedes is known to disrupt cell membranes, that of males is known to impact body functioning. To avoid suffering from a painful bite, it is advisable to stay away from this centipede, regardless of gender.
House Centipede
The most prevalent centipede in Florida homes is the House Centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata). Their color is yellow-grey, and they have three stripes down their backs that, given their remarkable speed, may resemble racing stripes.
Their capacity to pursue prey is improved by the tapering of their thick, strong legs toward the ends. To find their next food, they also have incredibly long antennae. The two “decoy” antennae at the rear end are surprisingly functional and function identically to the ones at the front.
Although they may have an unpleasant appearance, house centipedes can be useful visitors. They consume grasshoppers as well as houseflies, spiders, and other insects. They live outside in cool, moist places like woodpiles, rocky patches, and leaf litter. They prefer damp surroundings and are frequently found in basements, garages, or compost piles.
Soil Centipedes
In Florida, the diverse species of centipedes known as soil centipedes (Geophilomorpha) have leg pairs ranging from 27 to 191 (54 to 382 individual legs). In order to facilitate movement through dirt, they have a slender, somewhat flattened body and range in color from white to reddish-brown. Without eyes, they move underground by pushing their front end forward and pulling their back end, just like earthworms do.
Their sizes range from 0.75 in (1.9 cm) to 7.48 in (19 cm). Because they break down garbage, release nutrients, and aerate the soil, soil centipedes are essential to the health of the soil and the growth of plants. They may look unsettling, yet they are important for preserving the quality of the soil.
Black and Gold Flat Millipede
The distinctive black body segments fringed with vivid yellow or, under certain situations, orange-red, make the Black and Gold Flat Millipede (Apheloria virginiensis) easy to identify. Its lengthy antennae are roughly twice as long as its legs, and it has a pale yellow underside. These 5 cm long millipedes usually coil up when they feel frightened.
They feed on decaying matter and are frequently seen in regions with organic litter or mulch piles. They release a cyanide-based poison that can irritate skin or eyes, but it is safe for humans. To avoid irritation, it’s best to wash your hands right away if you are touched.
Bumblebee Millipede
A common sight in Florida, the Bumblebee Millipede (Adenobolus monilicornis) is prized for its distinctive look and is frequently maintained as a pet by enthusiasts. Its unusual body portions with stripes of dark brown and yellow, which resemble an earthworm disguised as a bee, are what give it its name. This millipede feeds on decaying plant matter and is usually found in leaf litter.
The Bumblebee Millipede is not native to Florida; rather, it was brought here by shipments of ornamental plants from the Caribbean. It is not a threat to natural plants or animals, despite its vast population.
Florida Ivory Millipede
With an adult size of up to 10 cm (4 in), the Florida Ivory Millipede (Chicobolus spinigerus) is regarded as a “giant” among millipedes in the state of Florida. Their distinctive black-and-white pattern helps to identify them, though some can be brilliant purple in color instead of black.
These millipedes usually have a lifespan of five to 10 years. They spend the most of their time underground, searching for bacteria, which is their main food source. In the wild, they get their bacteria from decaying leaf litter, wood, and animal waste.
