What is a centipede?

Centipedes are fast-moving arthropods with elongated, segmented bodies and one pair of legs per body segment. They are predators that use modified front appendages called forcipules to inject venom into prey such as insects and worms. Some species have just a few dozen legs, while others can have well over 100, but none are known to have exactly 100 in the literal sense suggested by the name. Centipedes live in soil, leaf litter, logs, and other damp habitats, where they help control invertebrate populations. They are found worldwide except in very cold regions.