The Brown Centipede is a fast-moving, reddish-brown centipede commonly found under rocks, logs, and garden debris throughout North America. It has 15 pairs of legs and moves with impressive speed when uncovered. Its venom is mild and a bite from this small centipede causes little more than a bee-sting-like reaction in most people.
Best time to see a Brown Centipede
The best time to see a Brown Centipede is January–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,073 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Brown Centipede? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Brown Centipede sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Brown Centipede? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Brown Centipede is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.