Facts About Centipedes

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Centipedes are from the class of myriapods. Although ‘œcent’ refers to ‘œhundred,’ in this case, centipedes beg to differ as they possess 15 to 191 pairs of legs, always odd in number. Centipedes have a physically elongated and flat, segmented body. All segments contain a pair of legs except for one. Brown in color, most are on average an inch in length.  The wriggling movements of centipedes causes shudders among most people.

Fact 1.  To inject venom into their prey, centipedes makes use of structures called gnathosomes or gnathopods which are pincer-like appendages in front of the legs.

Fact 2.  According to Chinese medical science, centipedes, known as Wu Gong in Chinese, are useful for chronic childhood convulsions and headaches.

Fact 3.    The centipede’s bite takes the shape of two puncture wounds. Each wound is from each of the leg’s claws. They symptoms of the wound immediately will radiate pain and swelling accompanied by redness.

Fact 4.  In terms of mortality rates, the National Center for Health Statistics has reported only 5 possible deaths between 1991 and 2001 due to centipede bites.

Fact 5.  In terms of lineage dating back 400 million years, centipedes share common ancestral roots with lobsters, shrimp, and crayfish.

Fact 6.  The centipede has an iconic status in the southwest United States. At the Huecco Tanks State Historic site in western Texas, the centipede is prominently displayed in the rock art of the Native Americans.

Fact 7.  The centipede was first recorded in Pennsylvania in 1849. The house centipede is said to have originated from the Mediterranean and was introduced into Mexico and the Southern United States.

Fact 8.   The first step in curbing centipedes from creating a home in your home is to destroy its source of food, which are mainly arthropods.

Fact 9.  Fried centipedes are consumed as snacks in China,  prevalent in most markets.

Fact 10. The centipede bite rarely results in death unless a person experiences allergic reactions.  In addition to a centipede bite, there might also be small puncture wounds.

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