The Underground Helpers in Your Garden: Centipedes and Other Myriapods
Centipedes and other myriapods are a common sight in gardens and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. While they may appear somewhat repulsive, these arthropods are beneficial and can be found in various parts of your garden. This article will take a closer look at centipedes, specifically the scolopendre species, and highlight their unique features and importance in the garden.
Who are the Centipedes?
Centipedes are arthropods, not insects, and are characterized by their hard, segmented bodies. The scolopendre, also known as the millipede, is a yellow and black myriapod that belongs to the scolopendrid family. While they typically thrive in outdoor environments, they can occasionally be found inside homes as well. Centipedes have venomous claws that they use to capture prey and defend themselves. While most centipedes are harmless, it’s important to exercise caution when handling them.
Habitat of the Centipedes
Centipedes are commonly found in Southern Europe, particularly around the Mediterranean region and North Africa. They prefer warm and subtropical climates and are nocturnal creatures that avoid light. Interestingly, centipedes have the ability to see from both ends of their bodies.
Diet of the Centipedes
Despite their unattractive appearance, centipedes are extremely beneficial as they consume a variety of insects and pests. They feed on aphids, ants, cockroaches, spiders, bedbugs, silverfish, carpet beetles, moths, crickets, and worms. Centipedes are primarily active at night and are known to even cannibalize their own kind if the opportunity presents itself.
Reproduction of the Centipedes
Centipedes are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. While they are capable of self-fertilization, they tend to seek out mates for reproduction. The male produces a spermatophore, which is a sac of sperm, that is then deposited on the ground or a leaf. The female is attracted to this sac and collects it with her genitalia, thus allowing her eggs to be fertilized. The female can lay dozens of eggs, typically in warm and humid areas, and will stay near the eggs to provide protection. The hatched eggs give rise to miniature centipedes that go through multiple molts before reaching adulthood.
The Variety of Myriapods
Myriapods, including centipedes, are important underground allies in your garden, just like earthworms. They play a vital role in decomposing organic matter like dead leaves, animal remains, and feces, turning them into nutrient-rich humus. Myriapods are classified based on the depth at which they inhabit the soil and carry out their decomposition task. Diplopods, like pill bugs and millipedes, are responsible for breaking down organic matter, while chilopods, like centipedes, act as predators, feeding on pests like caterpillars and slugs. Creating a compost bin or an insect hotel in your garden can encourage the presence of these beneficial myriapods.
Common Centipede Species in France
The scolopendre species of centipedes are predominantly found in tropical regions and the Mediterranean basin. The size and venom strength of centipedes vary between species and regions. For example, the Scolopendra gigantea can grow up to 40 cm and has a stronger venom compared to those found in southern France. The Mediterranean banded centipede (Scolopendra cingulata) is commonly found in the south of France and measures around 10 cm in length. While their bite is painful, it is not usually dangerous. However, their population is declining due to the widespread use of insecticides in the Provence region.
The scutigera coleoptrata, often mistaken for centipedes, is a different species also found in the Mediterranean region. They are less aggressive and slightly smaller, with a yellowish body and three dark stripes. These centipedes have 14 pairs of long legs and pose no significant danger to humans. They are commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other cool and humid areas where they feed on spiders, cockroaches, flies, and bedbugs.
Centipedes: Allies or Dangers?
While centipedes are generally beneficial, they can bite humans if they feel threatened. Their bites are known to be painful and can cause reactions like redness, swelling, and itching. Therefore, it is important to clean the wound with soap and water and disinfect it. Over-the-counter painkillers may be necessary to manage the pain. If the symptoms persist or the wound becomes infected, seeking medical attention is advisable. It’s worth noting that centipedes prefer to reside outdoors, but they can enter homes in search of warmth and humidity. Taking precautions and avoiding close contact with centipedes is recommended to prevent bites while asleep or unintentional threats.
