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Centipede or Not? Indoor Arthropod with Many Short Legs

Insect

Insect

Homeowner sees brown, slender, ~1 inch arthropod with segmented "serpentine belt" body, ~15 legs per side, antennae at both ends. Found on kitchen floor, bathroom overflow drains (dry). Not a centipede per homeowner (past Chicago centipedes were larger, faster, softer).

Expert Answer: Blurry image suggests house centipede (image). Homeowner's description differs: shorter legs, harder body, slower, snake-like movement. Could be another centipede species that came in on plants. Large centipedes can bite but are harmless. Search "centipede images" for comparison.

— Jack DeAngelis

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