Australian Centipedes

Fast‑moving hunters of the forest floor

Beneath fallen leaves and within the cool darkness of rotting logs, Australian centipedes move silently through a hidden world. Often glimpsed only for a moment before disappearing into the soil, these ancient invertebrates are skilled hunters and an important part of Australia’s natural ecosystems.

Though they may appear unsettling to some, centipedes are not aggressive animals. Their speed, secrecy and venom are tools for survival — not for attacking people.

What Is a Centipede?

Centipedes are invertebrates belonging to the class Chilopoda. They are easily recognised by their long, flattened bodies and quick, flowing movement.

Key Features

One pair of legs on each body segment
A flexible, segmented body built for speed
Highly sensitive antennae
Modified front legs called forcipules (also known as toxicognaths)

These forcipules are used to inject venom into prey.

Venom and Human Safety

All centipedes are venomous predators. They use venom to subdue insects, spiders and other small animals they hunt at night.

Centipedes deliver venom through their forcipules, which are modified legs, not fangs. This is an important distinction and a fascinating example of how invertebrates evolve specialised body parts.

For humans:

Bites (often described as stings) can be painful
Pain is usually local and short‑lived
Swelling and redness are common
Serious medical reactions are rare

Bites typically occur only when a centipede is handled, trapped, or accidentally pressed against skin. In natural settings, centipedes prefer to flee rather than defend themselves.

Breeding and Life Cycle

Centipede breeding takes place in moist, sheltered environments where eggs are protected from drying out.

Mating and Egg Care

Males deposit a packet of sperm called a
spermatophore
Females collect this to fertilise their eggs
Eggs are laid in small clusters in soil or rotting wood

In many Australian species, the female coils her body around the eggs, guarding them carefully. This behaviour helps prevent moisture loss and protects the eggs from predators and fungi.

Growing Up

Young centipedes hatch with fewer legs than adults
They resemble small, pale versions of their parents
With each moult, they gain more body segments and legs

Full maturity may take several years, depending on the species and environmental conditions.