Centipedes in Arizona
How to recognize them
Tiger centipedePainful, rarely serious158 records, 12 counties
Giant desert centipedePainful, rarely serious73 records, 6 counties
Tiger centipede Scolopendra polymorpha
- Tan to orange body with dark bands on each segment
- 21 pairs of legs
- Fast, hides under rocks by day
Giant desert centipede Scolopendra heros
- Largest centipede in North America
- Red or orange head, dark blue-black body, yellow legs in many forms
- 21 pairs of legs
We list the large centipedes and the house centipede. Many small centipedes live in every state and are harmless to people.
Counties with records
- None recorded
- 1 species
- 2
- 3 to 4
- 5 or more
Active months
Questions
How many large centipedes are in Arizona?
2 species live in the state: Tiger centipede and Giant desert centipede.
Which large centipedes in Arizona are dangerous?
None of them is considered medically significant for most people. Stings and bites hurt, and allergic reactions are possible.
When are large centipedes most active in Arizona?
Most open records fall in March to May, August to September.
More for Arizona
- All venomous animals in Arizona
- Venomous snakes in Arizona
- Venomous spiders in Arizona
- Scorpions in Arizona