What is the proper name of this "monster"?

[gmathias]

opps, sorry. I was responding to the first pic. I see two others now that are centipedes.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by mboyett

I'm sure this nice sized 8" fellow I saw yesterday would chomp down on him. At first glance I thought this was a common 'horny toad' but then realized he wasn't.
Attachment 11440

Skink

[Michael R. Boyett]

Originally Posted by kshepard

Skink

No, he smelled fine.....oh, wait, that's what it's called right? Thanks!
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I don't see as many of these wonderful little creatures around as I did when I was young. This praying mantis and his mate were protecting the front of a home yesterday.

[cgoyette]

Originally Posted by yolhovsky

Anyone knows what is the proper name of this "monster"?

Since no one else answered I feel obligated...had too? Love bugs and snakes.

House centipede - Scutigera coleoptrata

Curt

[Al Roethlisberger]

A little more info:

http://entomology.uark.edu/museum/house_centipede.html

Beyond infestation levels, I've actually heard that having these guys around isn't such a bad thing, just like having a reasonable "supply" of spiders

Since they have no interest in human food or waste, their presence isn't necessarily indicative of a dirty environment. And since they eat just about every insect we consider undesireable, having them around is really a benefit.

I've heard and read that they could bite, but I've never heard of an actual case. And I've never heard that it really would be a major issue if they did.

So I personally wouldn't worry too much about seeing one or two of these guys occassionally. Of course, if there is an infestation, other problems may exist that are providing large populations of prey which should be investigated.

But it definitely isn't a silverfish. They are much smaller, about the size of a grain of rice, almost translucent at times, but do have a similar "look" with wispy legs and appendages front and rear. Silverfish eat old paper and similar products I believe.

Other links:

Kinda humorous: http://www.math.umd.edu/~schris/scutigera.shtml



Al