In general appearance, centipedes are superficially similar to millipedes . However, there are important differences. The legs of a centipede are usually quite prominent, and centipedes are far more active than millipedes, particularly the common house centipede . Most centipede bodies are flattened and elongated. Centipedes feed on small insects and other arthropods.
Centipedes usually are much less common in homes than millipedes.
However, centipedes may be far more conspicuous, particularly one Colorado species that can reach six inches in length. Centipedes in homes are found most frequently in the morning trapped in bathtubs or wash basins. They also may be seen darting for cover when a light is turned on in a dark room. Except for the largest species, centipedes can not bite through skin, so hazard to humans is very remote. Centipede bites are extremely rare, particularly since they are very light shy and only bite when being picked up or crushed.