The Giant Desert Centipede is the largest centipede in North America, reaching over 8 inches, with vivid orange-red head and tail segments contrasting with a dark-banded body. It uses a pair of modified front legs (forcipules) to inject venom into prey, which can cause significant pain and local swelling in humans. It is a voracious nocturnal predator consuming large insects, lizards, and even small rodents.
Best time to see a Giant Desert Centipede
The best time to see a Giant Desert Centipede is March–July, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,844 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Giant Desert Centipede sightings near you
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