Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Centipedes
Question:	I need information on keeping centipedes as pets. My 17-year old son and my husband brought home a beautiful black centipede, about eight inches long. It probably has around 60 legs, dark orange feelers and loves to chow down on pet shop live crickets. The centipede lives in a SECURED plastic cage from the pet shop. We would like to expand his living quarters to an aquarium. Could you give us some info on habitat, etc.? He sleeps on a moist ground cover. He is most interesting to watch, especially when he is on the hunt for crickets! It's like watching a PBS nature show on the kitchen table. He eats about 10 live crickets every 3 days! We respect that he is very poisonous.
Answer:	Centipedes are good predators. Centipedes are best enjoyed observed in their natural habitat. They have an important role in our ecosystem and should not be held captive by humans as pets. As a natural defense, centipedes can pinch, even pierce the skin. They also emit a toxic substance, which is reported to include cyanide. Be very careful if you keep it as a pet. They can get out of very small spaces so be sure any container is tightly sealed. You basically have a good set up already. The substrate can be moist to dry. They should have a water source that they can walk into and out of easily. Live food like the crickets is about the only other thing they need.
Related Link:	http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/cimg379.html
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Response by:	John A. Jackman
Title:	Professor and Extension Specialist
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