Centipedes are carnivorous and typically hunt live prey. They are predators that use their speed and venomous bite to capture and subdue their prey, which can include a wide variety of small animals.
How Centipedes Hunt:
Centipedes are active hunters that rely on their sharp, modified legs (called forcipules) to capture and immobilize their prey. These forcipules inject venom that paralyzes or kills their prey, making it easier for the centipede to consume it. After the venom takes effect, the centipede uses its mandibles to break down the prey and begin feeding.
Types of Prey:
- Insects: The primary diet of centipedes consists of small insects like ants, cockroaches, termites, and beetles.
- Spiders: Some larger centipedes will also feed on spiders.
- Worms: They might also eat earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates.
- Other small invertebrates: Depending on the species, centipedes may also capture and eat other small arthropods, including larvae or other centipedes.
Do Centipedes Eat Dead Prey?
While centipedes typically hunt and eat live prey, they may occasionally scavenge on dead animals if the opportunity arises, especially if the prey is already partially decomposed or easily accessible. However, this is not their primary feeding behavior, and they prefer to catch and kill their own food.
Conclusion:
Centipedes are active predators that mainly eat live prey. They hunt using their speed and venom to immobilize and kill insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. While they may scavenge occasionally, their primary diet consists of freshly captured, live animals