Centipedes are elongated, multi-segmented arthropods known for their many legs—one pair per body segment. They are usually yellowish to dark brown, sometimes with darker stripes or markings. Despite their name, centipedes do not actually have 100 legs; the number can vary depending on the species and their development stage, but they typically have between 15 and 177 pairs of legs.

Centipedes are nocturnal predators that feed on other small insects and arthropods, using their venomous claws, known as forcipules, to immobilize prey. They prefer damp environments and are commonly found in basements, bathrooms, and other moist areas of a home, as well as under rocks, logs, and leaf litter outdoors.

While centipedes are generally considered beneficial because they help control pest populations, their appearance can be alarming, and some species can deliver a painful bite if threatened. However, their venom is usually not harmful to humans, and centipede bites are rare.