ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) — As cooler temperatures settle in, various different bugs may weasel their way into your home during their search for warmer temperatures. If some of those bugs have far more legs than you’re accustomed to, don’t fret – they generally don’t want anything to do with you, according to a local entomology expert.
We’re talking centipedes, of which there are over 3,000 identified species. The larger ones are typically found here in the southwest, with a notable one being the tiger centipede – also known as the desert centipede, or Scolopendra polymorpha. They can grow up to seven inches long, which is about six times bigger than a house centipede.
Although they may look intimidating, these bugs serve a vital role. “They’re super important for ecosystems with population control of flies, cockroaches,” said Albuquerque BioPark Entomology Curator Alex Miller. “But they’re also very important meal items for other animals… salamanders, some ants will eat them.”
Centipedes are considered beneficial arthropods that eat pests. So if someone has a lot of bugs in their home, centipedes will seek them out as a food supply. They’re also attracted to damp areas, as they’re more prone to losing moisture than other insects typically are. Due to this, centipedes are commonly found in showers. It’s important to note they typically wander at night, though, so they may fly (or crawl) under the radar.
All in all, their presence is of little concern, and they will rarely go out of their way to bite or sting, Miller explains. “They don’t want you,” said Miller. “If they sense an oncoming dangerous presence, they run very fast. So they’re more likely to run [than bite or sting]… They don’t want to bother you. They just want to live in their little damp spot. They want to eat their food.”…