The house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata, is a common household arthropod recognized by its numerous, spindly legs and surprising speed. Originating in the Mediterranean, this yellowish-gray creature has spread globally, often residing in the damp, dark environments of human dwellings. Homeowners frequently encounter them, leading to curiosity about their life cycle and how quickly they multiply. Understanding their reproductive habits provides necessary context for their presence in a home.
Fecundity of the House Centipede
A single female house centipede can produce a significant number of offspring over her long lifespan. While the egg count varies based on environmental conditions, females typically lay between 30 and 60 eggs in a season. Some females can produce up to 150 eggs over their entire reproductive years, which span multiple seasons.
The eggs are deposited in small batches, primarily during the spring and early summer. Environmental factors like temperature and humidity play a large role in reproductive success. Stable indoor conditions (65–75°F) can encourage multiple reproductive cycles per year, determining the population dynamics within a structure.
The Unique Reproductive Process
House centipedes employ a reproductive method that bypasses direct physical contact between the male and female. The female releases pheromones to attract a potential mate. Once found, the male engages in a courtship display, which may involve circling or tapping with his antennae.
The male then deposits a small packet of sperm, known as a spermatophore, onto a spun silk pad or the substrate. The female collects the spermatophore with her genital opening to internally fertilize the eggs. After fertilization, she deposits the eggs in a moist, dark location, often covering them in a sticky substance for protection.
Development and Lifespan
The house centipede has a notably slow development rate. Eggs typically hatch within a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on temperature and humidity. Newly hatched centipedes emerge resembling miniature adults but possess only four pairs of legs.
These young centipedes must undergo a series of molts to grow and mature. With each of the five subsequent molts, they progressively gain more pairs of legs until they possess the full 15 pairs of an adult. Reaching sexual maturity can take two to three years. Once mature, the house centipede has a remarkably long potential lifespan, living anywhere from three to seven years.