A certain species of centipede is causing a stir among Arkansas residents, begging the question: should we be afraid of a scary-looking, many-legged venomous arthropod known to periodically feed on small snakes?
The nation's largest centipede is the giant redheaded centipede, which can be found in northern and central Arkansas. They're the ones with the bright red heads and yellow legs, which is nature's way of warning potential prey that these critters are, indeed, venomous.
"That type of bright warning coloration is known as aposematism."
U of A Entomology instructor Dr. Austin Jones also pointed out all centipedes are venomous and are considered predators. This is one of the factors that distinguish them from millipedes, who are scavengers that feed on plant matter and aren't venomous or dangerous to handle.
Centipedes, however, are more known for eating other smaller arthropods (not insects, which have six legs), and small mice or reptiles. "[Giant redheaded centipedes] just happen to be larger and perhaps more intimidating than other centipedes we may find in our yards or homes," Jones said.
While these facts may be frightening, the species isn't known to threaten or attack people. "Finding them in the home is most always incidental or a wrong-place-wrong-time scenario," he said.
Centipede roughly translates to "hundred-legger"
It's important to note that all centipedes are considered arthropods, not insects. Insects have six legs and centipedes have many more, with the number of pairs depending on the species.
Centipedes are believed to be predators. The giant redheaded centipede or Scolopendra heroes, has been purported to make tiny incisions with its legs while walking across human skin. It goes without saying that if you see this centipede, don't touch it if you don't have to.
When the giant redheaded centipede is irritated, a poison is produced near the base of each leg and dropped into the wounds causing inflammation and irritation, according to an article written in conjunction with the University of Arkansas Arthropod Museum.
Where are giant redheaded centipedes found?
Outside of Arkansas, this type of centipede can be found in Missouri, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and northern Mexico. While they aren't predominantly found in Arkansas, they're more likely to be spotted in the mountainous regions of the state as opposed to the lowlands of the Arkansas Delta.
Giant redheaded centipedes prefer open rocky hillsides, glades, and dry woodlands.
"This species is somewhat of a relic of a time when the Ozarks were a dryer and more desert-like place," Jones said. "I would consider it lucky to see one nowadays. They are becoming more difficult to find as land becomes developed and some of the dry rocky areas of the past become encroached on by forests that used to be held at bay by frequent wildfires."
If you see them in the wild, just leave them be. Even if they're outside your home (not too close, though) these centipedes are considered beneficial as a predator.
What if you find a giant redheaded centipede in your home?
The best course of action is to entrap it and move it outside. Try not to use your bare skin to handle these arthropods. "If it is near or inside the home the best idea would be to use a utensil to help corral the critter into a bucket to take outside for release," Jones said.
Giant redheaded centipedes are described as "fast-moving and aggressive." So, it's advised not to provoke them outside of moving them to a safer location outside of your home.
And while the species is venomous (and very scary looking), there hasn't been a report of anyone in the state being bitten. Even if they were, experts say there would be some painful swelling, but with appropriate treatment and consulting with a doctor, death isn't on the table.
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