They are usually yellowish to dark brown, though some display bright warning colors, and they range in size from a few millimeters to roughly ) in tropical species.
Because they lack a waxy cuticle like insects, they lose water quickly and require moist environments.
They are commonly found in soil, leaf litter, under stones, and in rotting logs.
They are very fast, which helps them hunt and evade predators.
They feed on a variety of invertebrates, including spiders, worms, and small insects.
While often confused, centipedes and millipedes are quite different:
Centipedes can bite humans if handled roughly, but such occurrences are rare. Their venomous bite is generally not fatal to humans, with symptoms typically limited to pain, swelling, and redness—similar to a bee sting. Centipede or Millipede? What’s the Difference?
Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, while millipedes have two.