Are There Centipedes in California?
Yes, centipedes are found in California, particularly in coastal, forested, and higher-elevation regions where moisture is abundant. Most species are harmless, though some larger varieties can deliver a painful bite. Understanding their presence and habitat helps you avoid encounters.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Strigamia bothriopus · Judy Gallagher CC BY-SA
Common Desert Centipede · Public domain CC0
Common Desert Centipede · Evrytte Carlson CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 7,583
- GBIF records
- April, March, February
- peak months
Yes, centipedes are in California. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
32 types of centipedes recorded in California
32 centipede species have a verified observation record in California, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
5 of the 32 shown are recorded as introduced to California rather than native.
- No openly licensed photo yet1
- No openly licensed photo yet2
- No openly licensed photo yet3
Western Fire Centipede
Scolopocryptops gracilis
1,209 recordsNative - No openly licensed photo yet4
Thorn-tailed Bark Centipede
Scolopocryptops spinicaudus
939 recordsNative - No openly licensed photo yet5
- No openly licensed photo yet6
Pseudolithobius megaloporus
Pseudolithobius megaloporus
177 recordsNative - No openly licensed photo yet7
Theatops californiensis
Theatops californiensis
162 recordsNative - No openly licensed photo yet8
- No openly licensed photo yet9
- No openly licensed photo yet10
Gosibius paucidens
Gosibius paucidens
86 recordsNative - No openly licensed photo yet11
Taiyuna isantus
Taiyuna isantus
80 recordsNative - No openly licensed photo yet12
Bothropolys xanti
Bothropolys xanti
70 recordsNative
Also recorded in California
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Scolopendra aztecorumNativeScolopendra aztecorum | Scolopendra aztecorum | 60 |
| 14 | Strigamia fusataNativeStrigamia fusata | Strigamia fusata | 56 |
| 15 | Geophilus regnansNativeGeophilus regnans | Geophilus regnans | 47 |
| 16 | Garden LithobiusIntroducedLithobius melanops | Lithobius melanops | 43 |
| 17 | Strigamia epilepticaNativeStrigamia epileptica | Strigamia epileptica | 37 |
| 18 | Gosibius intermediusNativeGosibius intermedius | Gosibius intermedius | 36 |
| 19 | Arenophilus iugansNativeArenophilus iugans | Arenophilus iugans | 26 |
| 20 | Geophilus claremontusNativeGeophilus claremontus | Geophilus claremontus | 26 |
| 21 | Gosibius monicusNativeGosibius monicus | Gosibius monicus | 22 |
| 22 | Nothembius insulaeNativeNothembius insulae | Nothembius insulae | 21 |
| 23 | Gosibius angelicusNativeGosibius angelicus | Gosibius angelicus | 20 |
| 24 | Common SchendylaNativeSchendyla nemorensis | Schendyla nemorensis | 18 |
| 25 | Nyctunguis glendorusNyctunguis glendorus | Nyctunguis glendorus | 18 |
| 26 | One-eyed centipedeIntroducedLamyctes emarginatus | Lamyctes emarginatus | 15 |
| 27 | Big-leg CentipedeNativeTheatops posticus | Theatops posticus | 15 |
| 28 | Arebius diplonyxNativeArebius diplonyx | Arebius diplonyx | 14 |
| 29 | Tigobius paralusTigobius paralus | Tigobius paralus | 13 |
| 30 | Pokabius clavigerensNativePokabius clavigerens | Pokabius clavigerens | 12 |
| 31 | Pokabius disantusNativePokabius disantus | Pokabius disantus | 10 |
| 32 | Taiyuna moderataTaiyuna moderata | Taiyuna moderata | 10 |
Plus 43 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
23,219 verified observations on iNaturalist of centipede have been recorded in California, most often in April, March, February.
When centipede are recorded in California
Yes, centipedes are found in California, particularly in coastal, forested, and higher-elevation regions where moisture is abundant. Most species are harmless, though some larger varieties can deliver a painful bite. Understanding their presence and habitat helps you avoid encounters.
Are they in California?
Centipedes are established in California, though they are found primarily in regions with adequate moisture. House centipedes and smaller outdoor species are widespread in the cooler, more humid coastal regions and in the forests of northern California. The Sierra Nevada mountains, Cascade ranges, and coastal areas from San Francisco northward provide excellent habitat. Southern California has fewer centipede populations in the drier inland and desert regions, but they do occur in coastal southern California, particularly in San Diego County and Los Angeles County where irrigation and urban moisture support them. Some larger centipede species, including occasional specimens of the giant desert centipede, have been found in parts of southern California, though they are not common. These may arrive via imported materials or occasionally range northward during warm years. Most of what Californians encounter are house centipedes and smaller native species. The state's diverse habitats support varied centipede areas, from the temperate rainforests of the north coast to the drier chaparral. Learning aboutour wildlife guideshelps you understand the centipedes that might share your California home.
How dangerous is it?
Most California centipedes pose minimal danger to humans. House centipedes and common outdoor species have weak venom suitable only for subduing tiny invertebrates. A bite causes brief pain, minor swelling, and slight redness similar to an insect bite, resolving within a few hours to a day. Larger centipede species that rarely occur in California can deliver more noticeable bites with greater localized pain and swelling lasting several hours. The occasional giant desert centipede that appears in southern California could theoretically deliver a painful bite comparable to a wasp sting, but bites by this species in California are virtually unknown. No California centipede possesses venom dangerous to healthy humans. Severe reactions are extremely rare and occur only with secondary infection or in people with significantly compromised immune systems. Children may find a larger bite more uncomfortable, but the medical risk is still minimal. Bites should be evaluated by medical professionals if you have concerns or if symptoms persist beyond a day. For more on centipede in California, see ourCalifornia centipede guide.
How to recognize one
Centipedes found in California vary by species and location. House centipedes have 15 pairs of very long, thin legs with a body length of one to 1.5 inches. They are fast-moving and often pale yellow or grayish. Larger outdoor centipedes may reach 3 to 6 inches, with shorter, thicker legs and brown or reddish coloration. All centipedes have numerous legs, a flattened body shape, and move rapidly. They have two venomous claws near their head, invisible without magnification on most California species. Centipedes are primarily nocturnal and prefer damp environments. You are most likely to spot one on a wet night or in dark, moist places like bathrooms and basements. In California's temperate forests, larger centipedes hide under logs, bark, rocks, and thick leaf litter along streams and shaded areas. Their distinctive appearance with many legs and rapid scurrying makes them easy to distinguish from other creatures. For identification help withwildlife in California, our guides provide photos and detailed descriptions of common species.
What to do if you are bitten or stung
If bitten by a California centipede, stay calm and know that medical risk is minimal. Remove any jewelry or tight items from the bitten area. Elevate the limb gently if swelling occurs. Wash the bite with cool water and mild soap. A cool compress or soaking in cool water can reduce pain and swelling if tolerated. Over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines can help manage discomfort. Monitor the bite for signs of infection such as increasing redness or warmth. This is general information, not medical advice; if you are bitten, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if symptoms are severe. Seek medical evaluation if you are concerned or if pain and swelling persist beyond 24 hours. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or attempt to suck out venom. Most California centipede bites resolve with simple first aid and require no medical intervention beyond reassurance. You can also browseCalifornia wildlife.
How to prevent encounters
Preventing centipede encounters in California involves reducing moisture and hiding places. Centipedes are attracted to damp environments, so keep basements and crawl spaces dry using dehumidifiers if needed. Fix leaky pipes and ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home. Seal cracks and gaps in basement walls, around doors, and in window frames. Remove woodpiles, stacked lumber, and bark mulch from your home's foundation. Clear leaf litter and dense ground cover from around your house, particularly near entries. Keep storage areas organized and off floors, removing the dark, moist hiding spots centipedes prefer. When hiking in California's forests and coastal areas, wear closed-toe shoes and check your footwear before putting it on. Shake out blankets, sleeping bags, and clothing stored in damp areas. Caulk gaps in molding and around pipes to prevent entry. Install weather stripping on doors and window wells. These practical steps significantly reduce centipede presence in your California home.
Where in California and when
Centipedes are found throughout California's wetter regions, with the highest populations in the coastal zone and northern forest areas. The coast ranges from San Francisco northward to Humboldt County support abundant centipede populations. The Sierra Nevada mountains, Cascade Range, and inland valleys with adequate moisture also harbor centipedes. The Central Valley and southern interior deserts have few centipedes due to aridity. Coastal southern California, particularly around Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara, supports moderate populations, especially in irrigated areas. Centipedes are most active from late spring through fall when temperatures are mild and moisture is adequate. They remain somewhat active year-round in California's milder regions, particularly coastal and southern areas. Late evening and early morning are prime times for encounters outdoors, as centipedes are nocturnal. During dry summers, outdoor populations reduce their activity and may retreat to moister microhabitats near streams and under heavy ground cover. Indoor sightings occur year-round, with fall sometimes showing increased activity as outdoor temperatures drop.
Harmless lookalikes
Millipedes are the creatures most commonly confused with centipedes, and reassuringly they are completely harmless. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment and move slowly. They curl into a protective spiral when threatened and feed on decaying plant material. Centipedes have one pair of legs per segment, are fast-moving, and are predatory. In California's gardens and forests, you may encounter various other small arthropods that might briefly seem similar to centipedes. Earwigs have visible rear pincers, silverfish are small and shiny, and crickets have different body shapes entirely. Learning these distinctions brings reassurance that most creatures you encounter are harmless. The distinctive rapid scurrying of a centipede on its many legs is quite different from the movements of millipedes or other arthropods. For more information about California wildlife andmore on Centipede in California, explore our identification guides to build confidence in recognizing the creatures sharing your environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Are centipedes deadly?** No. Even the largest centipede species in California cannot deliver a medically serious bite to a healthy adult. **How common are centipede bites in California?** Bites are uncommon. Centipedes are shy and avoid humans, biting only when threatened or handled. **What attracts centipedes to a house?** Moisture, insects for food, and dark hiding places attract centipedes indoors. Keeping your home dry and sealed helps prevent their presence. **What should I do if I see one?** Leave it alone and it will not harm you. You can trap it under a cup and slide paper beneath to release it outdoors, or simply let it continue on its way. For comprehensive information aboutwildlife in Californiaand the creatures you encounter, our guides cover hundreds of species and helpful identification tips. Centipedes are actually beneficial as they feed on cockroaches, crickets, and other household pests, making them effective natural pest control.
Plan your trip
Best time to see centipede in California: April, March, February
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your centipede sighting in California
7,583 verified centipede records have been logged in California, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in California
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- Death Valley National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Devils Postpile National Monument · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are they in California?+
Centipedes are established in California, though they are found primarily in regions with adequate moisture. House centipedes and smaller outdoor species are widespread in the cooler, more humid coastal regions and in the forests of northern California. The Sierra Nevada mountains, Cascade ranges, and coastal areas from San Francisco northward provide excellent habitat. Southern California has fewer centipede populations in the drier inland and desert regions, but they do occur in coastal southern California, particularly in San Diego County and Los Angeles County where irrigation and urban moisture support them. Some larger centipede species, including occasional specimens of the giant desert centipede, have been found in parts of southern California, though they are not common. These may arrive via imported materials or occasionally range northward during warm years. Most of what Californians encounter are house centipedes and smaller native species. The state's diverse habitats support varied centipede areas, from the temperate rainforests of the north coast to the drier chaparral. Learning aboutour wildlife guideshelps you understand the centipedes that might share your California home.
How dangerous is it?+
Most California centipedes pose minimal danger to humans. House centipedes and common outdoor species have weak venom suitable only for subduing tiny invertebrates. A bite causes brief pain, minor swelling, and slight redness similar to an insect bite, resolving within a few hours to a day. Larger centipede species that rarely occur in California can deliver more noticeable bites with greater localized pain and swelling lasting several hours. The occasional giant desert centipede that appears in southern California could theoretically deliver a painful bite comparable to a wasp sting, but bites by this species in California are virtually unknown. No California centipede possesses venom dangerous to healthy humans. Severe reactions are extremely rare and occur only with secondary infection or in people with significantly compromised immune systems. Children may find a larger bite more uncomfortable, but the medical risk is still minimal. Bites should be evaluated by medical professionals if you have concerns or if symptoms persist beyond a day. For more on centipede in California, see ourCalifornia centipede guide.
More wildlife in California