The Centipede is Both Simple and Complex

There are nearly 3,000 known species of centipedes. They’re long-lived and come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Centipedes are typically reddish-brown, flattened, and elongated with many segments, most of which have a single pair of legs. They’re well-coordinated and can move around quite easily. Centipedes are active mostly at night and usually remain under stones, bark, or the ground. They can inhabit many kinds of habitats including forests, deserts, and caves. Although their name suggests they have a hundred legs, they typically have 15 to 30 pairs of legs. 

Unlike their vegetarian cousins the millipedes, centipedes are adept predators. Their numerous legs, each with a tiny claw, propel them swiftly as they hunt insects, spiders, and even small vertebrates. Each leg also houses sensory bristles, allowing the centipede to navigate its environment with surprising agility. But the true weapon lies in the modified first pair of legs, transformed into venomous fangs. These fangs inject a potent neurotoxin that subdues their prey.

Centipedes are solitary hunters, only coming together to mate. Reproduction is a complex process, with the male depositing a sperm packet the female retrieves. After laying eggs, the female may guard them until they hatch. The quiet centipede is almost completely blind but they use their antennae to figure out what to do next. They use their 6th sense to identify their next move. Centipedes are independent, determined, and practical. They’re symbols for balance, protection, flexibility,  and good luck. Call on their spirit when you need stability and direction.