He then moves the female over the sperm packet so she can pick it up with the posterior end of her body. The average female lays 60 eggs, but can produce double that amount. The eggs, which are coated with secretions from the females posterior, are dropped into a crevice in the soil and abandoned. Hatchlings are born with four pairs of legs and gain additional pairs with each molt. House centipedes molt six times before they are mature.
Centipedes eat flies, spiders , and other soft-bodied arthropods.
The largest North American centipede preys upon vertebrates such as small lizards and baby mice, as well. Poison is injected to subdue the prey animals. Centipedes are nonaggressive and their venom is mild. The bite of a centipede is painful at its worst. The affected area may be tender for a few weeks and heals slowly.