Talk:Scutigera coleoptrata

Yellowish Grey

I'm changing the intial information to "often yellowish grey" instead of just "yellowish grey". The latter description seems to describe that they are always like this but that is not true. I have seen quite a few reddish/brownish (I admit they're rarer, that color is probably less adaptive in western households) in my lifetime and the japanese geji-geji seems to never have the clorization of their western counterparts. It seems like the gejigeji may be it's own species, maybe the reddish variant is it's own species, but until there is a seperate page on them I am changing this. --66.253.36.46 (talk) 01:43, 12 January 2010 (UTC)

Update and example because I noticed this was reverted at some point. A brownish/red centipede found in conneticut with some black dorsal colorization: http://images.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/house_centipede_conneticut.jpg. Another clearly reddish variant of a house centipede: http://entomology.unl.edu/images/centipedes/housecnt.jpg This 'GejiGeji' from Japan is nearly outright black: http://park2.wakwak.com/~negibouzu/ikimono/kirai/gejigeji.jpg. I am changing it back accordingly. --66.253.36.46 (talk) 03:25, 23 March 2010 (UTC)

Updating again. I thought it was also worth noting that the house centipede disambiguation page also directs to Allothereua maculata, which look just like house centipedes in every picture I can find, but are characteristically black looking (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3365184790_d03a3883cb.jpg). I'm curious now as to whether these variations in color really signify different species and where the line is drawn. I have never seen a blackish house centipede here in the states but I've seen quite a few with a red rustish color. Are these just scutigara coleoptrata with color variation, or a different species entirely? The australian Allothereua appears to be given a distinction from scut. though the wiki page on it is extremely uninformative. Is this distinction to be drawn for the color variations common in the western hemisphere as well? I'll leave the edit I made for now until it's revealed that the other colors are other species entirely but this has me quite curious now. --66.253.36.46 (talk) 00:14, 28 March 2010 (UTC)

Major changes to article

Good day. I have performed major changes to this article. You can compare the changes by looking at the old article and the new article. Let me know if any of the changes are inapropriate. Also note that i have archived all discussions prior to this (2008 and earlier). Have a nice day. Rehman (talk) 04:22, 11 January 2009 (UTC)

I personally don't really like it. It makes it so you have two big blocks of drab text, then at the end, a tiny gallery with a few pictures. I think it unbalances the article. Kevin (talk) 01:19, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

I personally don't like the new page either. The 'Interaction with Humans' section(found on the first article) has been completely removed. I considered this the most important aspect of the HOUSE centipede. You need to delete this crappy new article. As Kevin said, it's format is also undesirable. Two big blocks of drab text, followed by some crap pictures. -2.18.2009 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.253.215.137 (talk) 22:56, 18 February 2009 (UTC)

What's with the name change?

I'm not sure when it moved, because for some reason the revision history goes back all the way to 2004, when this was still called "house centipede" when I first read this in the middle of 2008. But whose cockamame idea was it to rename this article from "house centipede", a name that many people are familiar with, to its binomial species name, "Scutigera coleoptrata", which probably around a dozen people in the world are familiar with? This isn't a biology encyclopedia! The article on "ant" isn't titled "Formicidae", the article on "cat" isn't called "Felis catus", and the article on "Red Panda" isn't called "Ailurus fulgens". It's Wikipedia policy (either written or by convention) that on animals, the title should be the most common name of the animal, and it should only mention the Binomial name. Kevin (talk) 01:28, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

Responded after your comment on my talk age. Rehman (talk) 12:23, 30 January 2009 (UTC)

Moved back now. This is the first time I've ever used (or needed to use) the "move" button on the browser, and before now, it was just decoration. Kevin (talk) 18:49, 30 January 2009 (UTC)

You are, of course, right that we should be using the common names in general. However, when that name is ambiguous, it is often prudent to choose another. "House centipede" means different things in different places, so I have moved this article back to its scientific name, and created a disambugation page at house centipede. It even looks like some of the incoming links may have meant Allothereua maculata originally; it's better for them to go through a disambiguation page that to be misdirected. --Stemonitis (talk) 09:13, 31 January 2009 (UTC)

As much as I hate to admit it, it seems you're right. I'd move this article back to house centipede, but now that there are articles on two separate species known as "house centipede", that's no longer feasible. Unlike before where it seemed the only reason this article is named "Scutigera coleoptrata" is to be difficult, now that there're two species named "house centipede" I can't in good concience move it back. Oh well. Good luck on the new "Allothereua maculata" article, and make sure to mention how the species is different from Scutigera coleoptrata. Kevin (talk) 18:47, 3 February 2009 (UTC)

Australia

Since there seems to be some confusion with the name, I checked through the claims made about Australia here. I could not find any reference for the edit by 71.120.192.107 in June 08 that the biggest specimen ever found was 6 1/2 inches. Seems a bit long to be the same. I could also find any sources but wikipedia clones that verify that this species has become "incredibly invasive" as added by 24.229.178.82. Could someone please check if they can find something. Otherwise I'ed say we take that out. The new Allothereua maculata page still needs to be added to the Centipede page list. [Sorry can't DIY that. I'm not up with all the newfangled code stuff) 76.97.245.5 (talk) 10:21, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

I've taken this out, now. If someone finds a reference, plse. put it back in. Due to their nature of living in cool dark places with long lifespans, they have become an incredibly invasive species. The largest recorded specimen is 17 cm (6.7 in). 76.97.245.5 (talk) 19:41, 9 February 2009 (UTC)

Headings and picture placement

There don't seem to be any standard headings for arthropods. Their prey doesn't fit in "Morphology" though. I borrowed "Hunting and diet" from another predatory animal article. The two pictures I put back in also go with this topic. There are a couple of things that can/should be added about their hunting, so I think it warrants its own heading. Please suggest what we should call it. Lisa4edit (talk) 09:38, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

If we include a description of how it hunts, then I would suggest a Behaviour section; if it's merely a list of what it eats (and what eats it), I tend to call it Ecology. --Stemonitis (talk) 09:47, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

Why not both, then no one can complain. (Or more likely everyone will :-). I'll make an edit and see how it'll work out. Thks. Stemonitis for the input. (Lisa4edit)76.97.245.5 (talk) 16:41, 9 February 2009 (UTC)

External links

This seems to be a site of someone's personal observations. "Scutigera Control Information (from "SCHRIS" personal website)". Particularly the information on reproduction seems to contradict other sources and I would therefor rate it as unreliable. (The fact that the author entirely fails to appreciate the usefulness of his house guests doesn't recommend the site either. The hysteria tends to reach "black cat" proportions without any outside help.)76.97.245.5 (talk) 07:58, 28 February 2009 (UTC)

Sources

We're a bit too heavy on Lewis citations. If someone could find other sources, plse. link them. I copied some information on reproduction from our French page. They didn't cite any sources but I've read something similar somewhere else before. Could someone also verify the observation on reproduction reported by "Mitton: Legs for stinging, legs for snaring"?76.97.245.5 (talk) 08:29, 28 February 2009 (UTC)

Sting

I hate these creatures, absolutely hate them and destroy them on sight. Per the link to the fact sheet at the bottom of the article these little bastards can have a sting equivalent to that of a bee; I wonder if it can cause anephylactic (however it is spelled) shock, too. Why is there no info on this in the article? I would like to know if they are dangerous to my 16 month old daughter? I just killed a big old one just a few minutes ago (which made me think to go here) and will be laying down some glue traps and spraying the Ortho Home Defense Max Perimeter treatment. Die you little bastards, die! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 4.224.0.230 (talk) 05:40, 4 April 2009 (UTC)

I just got bit by one. I didn't really notice any pain. I was too busy screaming like a little girl! I have permanent willies! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.98.58.49 (talk) 19:08, 29 April 2009 (UTC)

As you might imagine people who invest time into this article and know house centipedes well enough to answer your questions may not really share your sentiments. An anaphylactic shock is the most severe form of an allergic reaction. While roughly 100 people die each year in the US because of bee stings there are no reports of anyone dieing from being stung by a house centipede. (If you find a credible source reporting a case please let us know.) There are no scientific reports on any case of anaphylactic shock due to Scutigera coleoptrata. Despite 71.98.58.49's recent experience they rarely sting people. House centipedes have a notable Eeek! factor but they are really very useful creatures. If you have an infestation it means that they can find other bugs in your home to eat. If you can get rid of those the house centipedes will go elsewhere for food. --71.236.26.74 (talk) 00:30, 18 July 2009 (UTC)

I realize that I'm one year and one day late in replying to this topic... Just wanted to set anyone's mind at ease when it comes to these wonderful creatures. House (Indoor) centipedes are quite beneficial, especially when you're seeking to remove Earwigs and what I like to call 'Aggressive-Appearing Arachnids'. These little guys will eat most pests right up, while leaving you completely unscathed. (Except for the rare occasion where they walk on your feet while reading Wikipedia articles. So anyone reading this in the future, please don't worry about them. ;) ☼Ṅạẇạḟ Ṙạṡḥiḍ☼ (talk) 23:25, 19 July 2010 (UTC)

Your personal dislikes and phobias have no relevance to the article. "Why is there no info on this in the article? " You want there to be info in the article on you wondering something? -- 98.108.211.71 (talk) 23:45, 21 July 2010 (UTC)

There is above mention that in the absence of other bugs, house centipedes disappear. My experience has been different. I haven't seen a single insect (other than Scutigera) in three years, presumably because they've all been eaten. And yet for three Springs and three Autumns in a row, the frequency of Scutigera has remained unchanged. They are here to stay! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.121.145.115 (talk) 21:00, 20 April 2012 (UTC)

Being ectotherms, they probably do not have to eat much to stay alive. JRSpriggs (talk) 06:41, 21 April 2012 (UTC)

Human interaction section botdeleted

I'm copying the former text of this section here. Either we have been hit by a very smart vandal or somebody's well intended attempt at improving the article ended in a bot erasing bits of it. I'll try to source it bit by bit and put it back to prevent that from happening again.

Unlike its shorter-legged but much larger tropical cousins, S. coleoptrata can live its entire life inside a building, usually the ground levels of homes. Because of their alarming appearance, frightening speed, and worries about their bite, few homeowners are willing to share a home with these creatures. The bite of most house centipedes is incapable of penetrating human skin. Those that do give an effect no worse than a minor bee sting, and the symptoms generally disappear within a few hours. However, the bite can cause health problems for those few who are allergic to the mild venom of its bite, which is similar to that of most other centipedes. It is possible in some cases that a rash may develop and many minuscule bumps can form, an allergic reaction which might be comparable to a bee sting in terms of pain, or to a mosquito bite in terms of itchiness. The house centipede's venom is too weak to cause any serious harm to larger pets such as cats and dogs. Techniques for eliminating centipedes from homes include drying up the areas where they thrive, eliminating large indoor insect populations, sealing cracks in the walls, and seeking the assistance of an exterminator. 71.236.26.74 (talk) 00:30, 18 July 2009 (UTC)

Distribution

This edit In South Africa, they have been found in the Western Cape, in and around Cape Town (sightings have been reported in Pinelands and Gordon's Bay) and also in KwaZulu-Natal, in the city of Pietermaritzburg. needs sources. I left a message on the editor's talk page, if s.o. else comes across s.th. please add. Otherwise we'll have to remove it from the article. (lisa4edit)71.236.26.74 (talk) 10:25, 28 July 2009 (UTC)

I'm curious about the US distribution. There's no citation, and I have personally seen these in a house in Maryland (presumably east of Virgina, unless the article is referring to the Virginia coast). —Preceding unsigned comment added by Mandarinmarie (talk • contribs) 17:46, 16 September 2010 (UTC)

They are in our home in Southern California. We have NO spiders in the house, or any other bugs, just these guys!69.36.67.122 (talk) 04:10, 5 December 2016 (UTC)

Size of Scutigera Coleoptrata

What are the known recorded measurements regarding the adult size of this creature? I am just a guest of the site wanting to better this page for future reference.

Taking out "thousand leggers"

Sources I've found refer to millipedess not centipedes and non referred to scutigera coleoptrata. Put it back in if you have a source of common usage of "thousand leggers" for this species. (Preferably by people who know what they are looking at.) 99.11.160.111 (talk) 02:51, 14 June 2010 (UTC)

Unfortunately I don't have a citable source for it, but in my region the term "thousand legger" refers specifically to this species and is not meant to be a literal translation of the "millipede" nomenclature. I do think a disambiguation or a redirect to this page should be created since many people from this region would likely be searching under "thousand legger" rather than "scutigera coleptrata." Medleystudios72 (talk) 19:15, 1 June 2012 (UTC)

Please don't mix species

The reference for the presumed Japanese name "gejigeji" shows a picture for a different species. Please compare http://www.nhm.ac.uk/research-curation/research/projects/evolution-centipedes/scutigeromorph-centipedes/images/index.html http://living.in-japan.jp/2007/04/tale_of_gejigeji.html I have no idea whether usage in Japan is in any way specific or if any scutigeramorph that remotely looks like a house centipede is referred to as gejigeji. Until someone can come up with definite references, though, I'll take this bit out again. 99.11.160.111 (talk) 04:37, 5 September 2010 (UTC)

Up from drains?

Currently there's a line in the article: "It usually crawls from sewer drains."

Is this really true? I've read elsewhere that people, finding them in the bathtub near the drain, assume that they climbed up from the drain... but that they really were just thirsty, smelled water droplets in the bottom of the tub, climbed up the wall adjacent to the tub and went down into it, looking for a drink. Then, if it's a clean tub, the walls may be too slick for them to crawl back up, so they're trapped in there, and it may look like they came up through the drain. Actually I don't know if that's true either, but I think the idea that they crawled up through the drain is questionable at best. In my experience, they can't swim and are easily drowned. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.243.17.62 (talk) 17:03, 18 July 2011 (UTC)

Vandalized?

Recently someone linked this in a 4chan forum. I find some part of this article subtly changed to troll people like running towards women to hide in their dresses. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 123.237.73.165 (talk) 06:12, 11 August 2012 (UTC)

?????

on the first page of this website there is a picture of this house centipede under its scientific name (scutigera coleoptrata), in this picture you can count 28 legs which is 14 pairs of legs which is an even number of pairs of legs. In the facts page, it states that this house centipede "interestingly always has an odd number of pairs of legs", what is even more interesting to me is that they managed to get a picture of one of these guys with an even number of pairs of legs.... — Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.253.39.252 (talk) 04:49, 26 May 2013 (UTC)

The pictured centipede does in fact have 15 pairs of legs by my count. As mentioned elsewhere in the article, the back "antennae" are actually legs that have evolved to act as fake antennae, so they count as a pair of legs as well, but you may have been not counting them. --The Human Spellchecker (talk) 20:06, 13 June 2013 (UTC)

Four Inches???

The article states that these can grow to 4 inches in length. I could not find any source saying that, every source states the maximum length is 2 inches. Which is correct?

You obviously do not have them in your house. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 131.215.115.31 (talk) 21:42, 7 August 2015 (UTC)

The bodies are about 2", the antenna make them look around 4". Gross looking!69.36.67.122 (talk) 04:06, 5 December 2016 (UTC)

Japanese Wikipedia article link

https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%B2%E3%82%B8

This is the Japanese link- it also lacks a link to the English page. I don't know how to add links to other languages in the sidebar, so someone please do it. Thanks. 14.53.186.162 (talk) 23:53, 1 July 2015 (UTC)

I verified the link provided and found that it was for a page on the order Scutigeromorpha, of which S. coleoptrata is a member. The Japanese Wikipedia does not appear to have a page specifically dedicated to S. coleoptrata, and the English Wikipedia does not have one for order Scutigeromorpha (only a subsection under "Centipede"), so there fortunately do not appear to be missing links. Pliny the Elderberry (talk) 01:50, 1 September 2019 (UTC)

Shock and thanks!

I hadn't previously the pleasure (terror is more the feeling I had) of meeting this little 16 legged creature. Someone in the office called it a silverfish and I knew that was wrong, but wanting to discover what it was I looked it up anyway. Google did bring up a silverfish picture and I saw in a few of the images the house centipede. This has not made me feel any better about it's presence in my office, but at least I know what it is now! Thank you for the education and your time. 104.218.24.11 (talk) 18:17, 20 April 2016 (UTC)Mindy, North Carolina

Cannibalism

I put two of these in a container, and the next day, all that remained of one of them was scattered legs. Are they known to eat each other? And if so, is the part that says "it kills and eats other arthropods" misleading? Germyb (talk) 17:09, 13 September 2017 (UTC)