Did you just see a multi-legged monster with blue legs crawl by?
Eugh! What is it?
Although the majority of centipedes on the planet range in color from red to black, there are some with blue legs.
In this article, I will take a closer look at the known types of centipede with blue legs.
Centipede With Blue Legs
There are around 3,000 known species of centipedes found worldwide, although there are probably many more since many live in rainforests and deserts that are not inhabited by humans. But only a few of these known species are blue.
Here are some of the most common blue-legged centipedes you might find:
1. Blue Legged Centipede
Native to California and Mexico, the Blue Legged centipede is a pretty turquoise blue color. Their blue legs turn red as they get older. If you spot one, it’ll be a juvenile that is no bigger than about two inches.
2. The Minor Blue Leg Centipede
The Minor Blue Leg centipede is also called the red-tailed centipede because most of this species has yellow legs and a red tail. However, all of its body segments have a blue tinge, and its back legs are usually blue, too.
3. Northern Blue-Legged Centipede
This vibrant centipede is native to Australia and only found in New South Wales and Queensland. Some of them have hot pink bodies, while others are more purple. But they all have stunning bright blue legs.
It’s the fastest centipede in Australia because it has unusually long legs.
4. Scolopendra Alcyona
It’s probably quite unlikely that you’ll ever come across this centipede, because it only lives in water, and has only been discovered in Taiwan and Japan.
There aren’t many centipede species that only live in water, making the Scolopendra Alcyona really unique. The strong venom of this blue-green centipede is really painful, so if you do happen to be swimming in the East China Sea, you better wear a good wetsuit!
5. The Florida Blue Centipede
Better known by its other name, the Eastern Bark centipede, this centipede doesn’t have the vivid blue legs of the other centipedes mentioned in this article. Its legs are more blue-tipped, and the blue color can vary.
In fact, some centipedes in this species are free of blue legs entirely.Â
And despite its name, the Florida Blue centipede is found in most southern US states. Luckily, it’s the bite isn’t life-threatening, and is more like a mild sting, even if your pet happens to get attacked.Â
6. The Chinese Red-Headed Centipede
It might have a redhead and orange-colored body when it grows up, but the Chinese Red-Headed centipede has a blue head with matching legs when it’s a youngster.
These larger centipede species are found in Australia, Asia, and Central and South America, and only changes color as it gets older. And its venom will definitely cause some discomfort, so it’s best to run away from this creepy critter, They’re known to become irritated with little provocation.
The Many-Legged Centipede
Centipedes are elongated insects that have a pair of legs attached to each segment of their bodies, with the number ranging from 15 and up to 177 pairs, depending on the length of the actual creature.
This makes their appearance particularly fear-inducing! But you should know that in almost all cases, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Most house centipedes will actually hunt down and feed off of other insects that you would consider to be pests, like cockroaches, bed bugs, spiders, and moths.
In almost all cases, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Most house centipedes will actually hunt down and feed off of other insects that you would consider to be pests, like cockroaches, bed bugs, spiders, and moths.
Not to be confused with millipedes, (which are more worm-like, have two pairs of legs attached to each segment, and feed off of decomposing plant material and dead wood), larger centipedes will also eat small lizards, frogs, and even rodents.Â
They can do this because they have a set of claws that can inject venom into their prey. Their bite isn’t strong enough to break through flesh. Being pinched with their claws can break flesh though, and is extremely painful once the venom penetrates into the wound.
Blue Is The Color
So, if most centipedes are reddish-orange to dark brown in color, why are some species blue?
Well, centipedes are arthropods, which are invertebrate animals that have a segmented body with jointed legs that come in pairs.
Examples of some arthropods are crustaceans like lobsters and crabs, arachnids like spiders and scorpions, and myriapods, like millipedes and centipedes.
All arthropods have a special built-in mechanism called warning coloration, which means they show off bright colors that warn their predators that they have a defense system — namely, poisonous venom in the case of centipedes.
All arthropods have a special built-in mechanism called warning coloration, which means they show off bright colors that warn their predators that they have a defense system — namely, poisonous venom in the case of centipedes.
This display of blue color is the exact opposite of camouflage because these centipedes want their predators to make sure they’re aware of their presence.
Therefore, a blue centipede’s warning coloration is like a flashing neon sign to other animals letting them know that they should look elsewhere for dinner if they’re hungry.
Because they’ll be poisoned otherwise.
It should be said though, that centipedes in general aren’t dangerous. Their venomous claws will cause quite a lot of pain, but they rarely attack humans or even pets. But if you have small pets at home, the venom could cause them to become ill if they are bitten.
If they happen to eat one after playing with it, this usually won’t be a problem.
In Living Color
Blue is a beautiful and vivid color that weirdly enough is not something that is usually found in nature, which makes the centipede with blue legs an uncommon sight.
So, if you happen to come across one of these creepy creatures, count yourself lucky because most of us won’t see one. And there’s no point in being scared because it will definitely be more scared of you!
Just make sure your furry friend doesn’t bother it!
