Predatory centipedes as natural enemies of field pests

There are 57 species of centipedes (Class: Chilopoda) in the UK. They predate soft-bodied insects and earthworms in the soil.

Centipedes are not insects but belong to the myriapods, meaning ‘many legs’.

The 57 species of centipede have a variable odd number of flattened segments, each bearing a pair of legs. The first pair of legs is modified to form a pair of pincers that inject venom into their prey. They are typically drab brown and 30–60 mm long.

In contrast, millipedes are vegetarians and have two pairs of legs on each segment.

Eggs are laid singly or in batches; some species care for their eggs. The larvae develop into adults through a series of moults. Generation time is usually 1 year, but adults may live for several years.

Most are predatory, living in the soil, dead wood or leaf litter and predating any soft-bodied insects and earthworms.

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