Centipedes in New Mexico
How to recognize them
Tiger centipedePainful, rarely serious44 records, 14 counties
Giant desert centipedePainful, rarely serious10 records, 2 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
Harmless large centipedes people mistake for them
Questions
How many large centipedes are in New Mexico?
2 species live in the state: Tiger centipede and Giant desert centipede.
Which large centipedes in New Mexico 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 New Mexico?
Most open records fall in July to September.
More for New Mexico
- All venomous animals in New Mexico
- Venomous snakes in New Mexico
- Venomous spiders in New Mexico
- Scorpions in New Mexico