Centipedes are arthropods that are characterized by having elongated flattened bodies with one pair of legs per body segment. There are around 3,000 species of centipedes worldwide, and they are found on every continent except Antarctica. Centipedes are fast-moving predators that typically eat small invertebrates like insects, spiders, and worms. They use their venomous claws to subdue prey.
Centipedes are most active during the warmer months of the year when their prey is abundant. However, the exact time of peak activity can vary depending on the climate and species. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what time of year different types of centipedes are most active.
Seasonal Activity Cycles
Most centipedes living in temperate climates have seasonal activity cycles tied to temperature and humidity. They tend to be most active in the spring, summer, and fall when temperatures are warm. During the winter, centipedes in temperate zones go into diapause, which is like hibernation. Their metabolism and activity levels decrease dramatically.
Centipedes living in tropical and subtropical climates may remain active year-round since temperatures stay warm. However, even tropical centipedes often have peaks and lulls in activity related to rainy and dry seasons.
Exactly when centipedes are most active depends on factors like:
- Climate – Centipedes in colder regions have shorter active seasons.
- Species – Some emerge earlier or stay active later than others.
- Weather – Unusually warm or cool conditions can shift cycles.
- Location – Activity may peak earlier at lower vs. higher latitudes.
- Habitat – Centipedes in different microhabitats become active at different times.
Let’s take a closer look at when different groups of centipedes living in various parts of the world tend to be most active.
Temperate Zone Centipedes
In temperate zones like most of North America, Europe, and Asia, centipedes are primarily active from spring through fall. Here is an overview of their seasonal cycles in these regions:
Spring
Centipedes emerge from overwintering sites in early to mid spring, usually March through May depending on location. Rising temperatures and humidity levels trigger them to become active.
At this time of year, centipedes concentrate their activities around breeding. Males seek out females using pheromone cues. After mating, females lay eggs in protected sites in the soil or rotting wood.
With prey still scarce, centipedes are only moderately active in spring. They spend a lot of time hiding under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and other shelters.
Summer
Centipede activity reaches its peak in the summer, usually June through August. Warm weather enables them to be active both night and day. Higher humidity also suits them well.
Prey populations explode in the summer, allowing centipedes to hunt and feed frequently. They aggressively seek out prey like insects, spiders, millipedes, and earthworms under logs, rocks, and leaf litter.
This is the main period of development and growth for young centipedes that hatched in the spring. By late summer, they reach full adult size.
Fall
Centipede activity remains high through the fall, typically September through November. Cooler temperatures force them to become more nocturnal as the season progresses.
Centipedes prepare for winter by feeding voraciously when prey is still abundant. This allows them to build up fat reserves to survive the cold months.
Mating may occur again in the fall. Females lay overwintering eggs that hatch the following spring.
Winter
In winter, centipedes in temperate zones go into diapause. They retreat to protected overwintering sites below the frost line, often in crevices deep in the soil.
With their metabolism slowed to a crawl, centipedes remain inactive and feed rarely, if at all. They are difficult to find from December through February during the coldest temperatures.
Tropical and Subtropical Centipedes
In the tropics and subtropics, centipedes can remain active year-round since winter temperatures stay warm. However, they usually exhibit peaks and lulls in activity tied to rainy and dry periods.
Rainy Season
Tropical centipedes are most active during rainy periods. Heavy rains stimulate higher plant growth, allowing prey numbers to increase. Humid conditions are ideal for centipedes.
The timing of rainy seasons varies across tropical regions based on monsoon patterns and geography. For example, rainy seasons may run from May to October in Southeast Asia but occur at different times in South America or Africa.
Whatever the location, centipede activity spikes during the peak months of rainfall. They take advantage by hunting and feeding actively in the moist conditions.
Dry Season
During seasonal dry periods in the topics, centipede activity decreases. Lower humidity forces them to seek moist shelters like the undersides of logs and rocks.
Prey numbers also decline when vegetation dries out temporarily. With fewer insects and other small invertebrates to eat, centipedes’ feeding rate goes down.
To survive, centipedes may aestivate underground or in other protected locations. Their metabolism lowers and activity levels drop to conserve resources.
Even during dry seasons, tropical centipedes remain somewhat active thanks to warm temperatures. Just at a reduced level compared to rainy periods.
Other Factors Influencing Activity
Aside from climate and seasons, other factors can affect when centipedes are active:
Time of Day
Most centipedes exhibit crepuscular activity patterns. That means they are most active around dawn and dusk.
During the day, centipedes tend to remain hidden to avoid desiccation from the sun and heat. They emerge at first dark to hunt under the cover of night.
Nocturnal species may be more active during nighttime hours. Diurnal tropical centipedes can be active any time in shady, moist habitats.
Age
Younger centipedes may be active on a different schedule than adults. Small juveniles often avoid intense daytime heat. They peak in activity levels at different hours.
As they grow larger, juvenile centipedes shift to match the crepuscular schedule of mature adults. Reaching full size allows them to withstand dryness better.
Weather
Sudden cold snaps or heat waves can alter centipede activity temporarily. They tend to reduce activity during temperature extremes until conditions moderate.
High winds and heavy rain can also force centipedes to take shelter. They avoid going out in gusty, stormy weather if possible.
Once normal weather patterns return, centipedes quickly resume their regular activity cycles.
Peak Activity Times By Species
Different centipede species have slightly different peak activity times even within the same region. Here are examples for several widespread species:
House Centipedes
Scientific name: Scutigera coleoptrata
- Most active March through October.
- Nocturnal but can be active day and night in buildings.
- Seek dark, humid places indoors like basements and bathrooms.
Garden Centipedes
Scientific name: Lithobius forficatus
- Active April through September in most climates.
- Crepuscular but remain hidden by day.
- Common under mulch, rocks, leaves, and grass in yards.
Greenhouse Centipedes
Scientific name: Scutigerella immaculata
- Year-round activity in heated greenhouses.
- Most active at night. Seek dark, moist microclimates by day.
- Thrive in moist soil and leaf litter.
Vietnamese Centipedes
Scientific name: Scolopendra subspinipes
- Active all year in tropical regions.
- Crepuscular but often active in daytime shade.
- Live in rotting wood and other moist microhabitats.
Desert Centipedes
Scientific name: Scolopendra polymorpha
- Most active during monsoon season from July to September.
- Nocturnal during hot, dry conditions.
- Seek moist shelter under rocks and burrow in soil.
As these examples illustrate, peak activity times can vary widely between centipede species depending on habitat, climate, and other factors. Getting familiar with the species in your area will help indicate when they are most likely to be encountered.
Conclusion
Centipedes exhibit seasonal activity cycles in most temperate locations, becoming dormant in winter and active from spring through fall. In tropical zones, centipedes peak during rainy periods but may remain active year-round. Exact peak activity times vary by climate and species.
Most centipedes favor crepuscular activity around dawn and dusk, but some species are strongly nocturnal or diurnal. Age and weather conditions can also alter normal activity patterns temporarily. Understanding their natural cycles provides clues for when centipedes are most likely to be spotted in any given habitat.
References
| Bücherl, W. Centipedes, Millipedes, and Related Animal Groups. In: Bücherl, W., Buckley, E. (eds) Venomous Animals and Their Toxins. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. 1971. |
| Eisner, Thomas, et al. For Love of Insects. Harvard University Press, 2005. |
| Lewis, John George E. The Biology of Centipedes. CUP Archive, 1981. |
| Undheim, Eivind A. B., and Greta J. Binford. “Centipede Venom: Recent Discoveries and Current State of Knowledge.” Toxins 7.3 (2015): 679–704. |
| Marek, Paul E., et al. “Centipedes (Chilopoda) of North America: a Key to Their Identification and Notes on Their Natural History and Distribution.” Virginia Museum of Natural History, 2022. |