Are There Centipedes in Colorado?
Yes, centipedes are found throughout Colorado, particularly in forested areas and regions with adequate moisture. These are small to medium-sized species adapted to the high altitude and cool climate. Bites are extremely rare, and there is no significant medical risk from Colorado centipedes.
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
- 373
- GBIF records
- April, May, June
- peak months
Yes, centipedes are in Colorado. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
7 types of centipedes recorded in Colorado
7 centipede species have a verified observation record in Colorado, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
5 of the 7 shown are recorded as introduced to Colorado rather than native.
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Plus 4 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,451 verified observations on iNaturalist of centipede have been recorded in Colorado, most often in April, May, June.
When centipede are recorded in Colorado
Yes, centipedes are found throughout Colorado, particularly in forested areas and regions with adequate moisture. These are small to medium-sized species adapted to the high altitude and cool climate. Bites are extremely rare, and there is no significant medical risk from Colorado centipedes.
Are they in Colorado?
Centipedes are established throughout Colorado, with populations concentrated in the forested regions where moisture is more abundant. The Rocky Mountain foothills, the Front Range mountains, the San Juan Mountains, and the western slope all support centipede populations. Lower desert regions like parts of the western plateau support fewer centipedes due to aridity. House centipedes and smaller outdoor species are adapted to Colorado's cooler climate and higher elevation. These are hardy species that have evolved to survive Colorado's cold winters and variable moisture conditions. Centipedes are particularly abundant in areas with reliable moisture, such as near streams, in riparian zones, and in the dense forests of the Colorado Rockies. They range from elevations of a few thousand feet up to the subalpine zone where conditions permit. While some individuals of larger centipede species from neighboring southwestern states might rarely travel north into Colorado, the established populations are smaller, less aggressive species. Learning aboutour wildlife guideshelps you understand the centipedes that live in Colorado's diverse ecosystems.
How dangerous is it?
Colorado centipedes pose virtually no danger to humans. The species established in the state are small and produce only weak venom suitable for capturing tiny arthropods. A centipede bite in Colorado is extraordinarily rare, and if one were to occur, the result would be minimal. Most bites would cause only minor discomfort, comparable to a mosquito bite or small pinprick. Swelling and redness, if any, would be minor and resolve within a few hours. The cold-adapted species present in Colorado simply lack the size and venom potency of the larger, more dangerous centipedes found in the hot deserts of the Southwest. No Colorado centipede species poses a health threat even to young children and pets. Most centipedes avoid contact with humans entirely and will not bite unless roughly handled or threatened, and even then many species are reluctant to bite. There are no documented cases of serious medical problems resulting from Colorado centipede bites. Bites should be treated as minor injuries requiring only basic first aid. For more on centipede in Colorado, see ourColorado centipede guide.
How to recognize one
Colorado centipedes are typically quite small, ranging from half an inch to perhaps three inches in length depending on the species and their developmental stage. They have long, segmented bodies with many pairs of legs. Most Colorado centipedes are brown, tan, or yellowish in color. They have a flattened body shape and move with surprising speed on their numerous legs. All centipedes have venomous claws near their head, though these are often invisible without magnification on such small specimens. Centipedes are primarily nocturnal and prefer damp environments. You are most likely to encounter them on wet nights, in damp basements, or in dark, moist areas like bathrooms. In the forests and mountains, they hide under logs, rocks, bark, and in leaf litter, particularly near streams and seepage areas. Their distinctive appearance with many paired legs and rapid scurrying makes them recognizable once you know what to look for. For identification help withwildlife in Colorado, our guides provide photos and descriptions of common Colorado species.
What to do if you are bitten or stung
If you were to be bitten by a Colorado centipede, which is extremely unlikely, stay calm and know that the bite poses no serious medical threat. Wash the area with cool water and mild soap. A cool compress may provide minor comfort if there is any discomfort at all. Over-the-counter pain relievers are almost never necessary with Colorado centipedes. Monitor the area for any signs of infection such as increased 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. Given the rarity of bites and their trivial nature in Colorado, medical attention is almost never necessary. The reassurance for Colorado residents is that centipedes here pose no real health risk, and even if bitten, the incident would be minor enough to require only basic first aid at most. Never apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or attempt any field treatment. You can also browseColorado wildlife.
How to prevent encounters
Preventing centipede encounters in your Colorado home involves basic home maintenance. Keep your home dry by fixing leaky pipes and ensuring good ventilation in basements and crawl spaces. Centipedes are attracted to moisture, so use a dehumidifier if needed in damp areas. Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and in basement walls. Remove potential hiding spots by storing items in sealed containers rather than piling them on basement floors. Clear woodpiles, stacked lumber, and thick mulch away from your home's foundation. Vacuum regularly, including under furniture, to remove the small insects that centipedes feed on. When hiking or working in Colorado's mountains and forests, wear closed-toe shoes and check them before putting them on. Shake out sleeping bags, blankets, and clothing before use if they have been stored in cool or damp areas. Caulk gaps in molding and around pipes. These straightforward steps reduce any potential centipede presence while recognizing that centipedes in Colorado are not a significant concern.
Where in Colorado and when
Centipedes in Colorado are found throughout the state's wetter regions, with the highest populations in the mountain foothills and forest zones. The Front Range, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the San Juan Mountains, and the western slope of the Rockies all support centipede populations. The Denver metro area and other foothill areas have centipedes, particularly in landscaped areas with irrigation and moisture. The high deserts and arid western plateau have fewer centipedes due to limited moisture. Centipedes are most active during the warmer months, typically late spring through early fall, though they can be found year-round in heated buildings and in protected microhabitats. Harsh Colorado winters drive most outdoor populations into dormancy or deep shelter. In milder, irrigated areas like residential gardens and parks, centipedes remain somewhat active even during cool periods. Late evening and early morning hours in spring, summer, and fall are when you are most likely to encounter them outdoors. In homes, they may appear at any time but are more frequently noticed in fall and winter as outdoor temperatures drop.
Harmless lookalikes
Millipedes are occasionally encountered in Colorado and are completely harmless. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment, while centipedes have one pair. Millipedes move very slowly and defensively curl into a tight spiral when threatened. They feed on decaying plant material and cannot bite. Centipedes are fast-moving, flattened, and predatory. In Colorado's gardens and forests, you may encounter various other small arthropods that might seem similar to centipedes at first glance, such as small spiders, insects, or grubs, but these have distinctly different body structures and leg arrangements. The elongated, fast-moving form of a centipede with its paired legs is quite different from a millipede or any other common arthropod found in Colorado. Learning these differences brings reassurance that most creatures you encounter outdoors are harmless and beneficial. For detailed information aboutmore on Centipede in Coloradoand other small Colorado wildlife, our guides provide clear identification methods. Most of what Coloradans encounter in their yards and homes is harmless.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Are centipedes deadly?** No. Centipedes in Colorado are tiny and produce no venom of consequence. No person has been harmed by a Colorado centipede. **How common are centipede bites in Colorado?** Bites are essentially unknown in Colorado. Centipedes avoid humans and are far too small to pose any threat. **What attracts centipedes to a house?** Moisture, small insects, and dark hiding places attract centipedes indoors, though their presence is rare in Colorado homes. **What should I do if I see one?** Simply leave it alone or gently escort it outside with a cup and paper. For additional information aboutwildlife in Coloradoand the creatures living in the state, explore our comprehensive guides. Centipedes are actually beneficial members of Colorado's ecosystems, feeding on pest insects and contributing to nutrient cycling in soil and forests. In Colorado, they are a harmless and helpful part of nature.
Plan your trip
Best time to see centipede in Colorado: April, May, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your centipede sighting in Colorado
373 verified centipede records have been logged in Colorado, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Colorado
- Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Colorado National Monument · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Curecanti National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Dinosaur National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are they in Colorado?+
Centipedes are established throughout Colorado, with populations concentrated in the forested regions where moisture is more abundant. The Rocky Mountain foothills, the Front Range mountains, the San Juan Mountains, and the western slope all support centipede populations. Lower desert regions like parts of the western plateau support fewer centipedes due to aridity. House centipedes and smaller outdoor species are adapted to Colorado's cooler climate and higher elevation. These are hardy species that have evolved to survive Colorado's cold winters and variable moisture conditions. Centipedes are particularly abundant in areas with reliable moisture, such as near streams, in riparian zones, and in the dense forests of the Colorado Rockies. They range from elevations of a few thousand feet up to the subalpine zone where conditions permit. While some individuals of larger centipede species from neighboring southwestern states might rarely travel north into Colorado, the established populations are smaller, less aggressive species. Learning aboutour wildlife guideshelps you understand the centipedes that live in Colorado's diverse ecosystems.
How dangerous is it?+
Colorado centipedes pose virtually no danger to humans. The species established in the state are small and produce only weak venom suitable for capturing tiny arthropods. A centipede bite in Colorado is extraordinarily rare, and if one were to occur, the result would be minimal. Most bites would cause only minor discomfort, comparable to a mosquito bite or small pinprick. Swelling and redness, if any, would be minor and resolve within a few hours. The cold-adapted species present in Colorado simply lack the size and venom potency of the larger, more dangerous centipedes found in the hot deserts of the Southwest. No Colorado centipede species poses a health threat even to young children and pets. Most centipedes avoid contact with humans entirely and will not bite unless roughly handled or threatened, and even then many species are reluctant to bite. There are no documented cases of serious medical problems resulting from Colorado centipede bites. Bites should be treated as minor injuries requiring only basic first aid. For more on centipede in Colorado, see ourColorado centipede guide.
More wildlife in Colorado