About 3,500 species of centipedes are found in the class Chilopoda, a phylum of arthropods. They are among the least well studied arthropods. Millipedes have an elongated, multi-segmented body with one pair of legs on each body segment. They are widespread, present on every continent except Antarctica, and are especially common in warm temperate and tropical areas. Centipedes spend most of their time underground and usually emerge at night to actively hunt for prey. They are capable of moving very quickly when impacted. The most dangerous species belong to the genus Scolopendra, with large members (giant scolopendra), reaching a length of 26 cm. The bite of the scolopendra is its main weapon, which paralyzes its prey. She will also bite to defend herself if attacked. Like a scorpion, it can raise its tail and deliver a very painful sting that can cause inflammation and pain in the affected limb.
What do scolopendras look like?
Scolopendra can be found throughout the world in warmer regions of the world, including North America, South America, Europe around the Mediterranean basin, Asia, Australia and Africa. The venom delivery device consists of a modified pair of front legs just behind the jaws. The venom is produced in a gland, usually located at the base of each pair of legs, and is injected through channels as the scolopendra's venom enters the victim's tissues. Centipede venoms have not been studied as extensively as those of spiders and scorpions, but they contain a wide range of components, including 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), histamine, metalloproteinase, hyaluronidase, pore-forming toxins, CAP proteins and ion channel modulators. In addition, some centipede venoms can cause endogenous histamine release.
Why is scolopendra dangerous?
As already mentioned, there are several varieties of centipedes, and some of them are quite dangerous. Dangerous scolopendra species live in forests or grassy areas. They are typically orange or dark red in color and tend to be larger in size than the house centipede. Their length ranges between 60 and 80 cm. Such creatures have from 30 to 350 pairs of legs. They are equipped with poison glands on the sides of their bodies.
With such size and weapons, centipedes easily hunt small rodents, including rats. But don't worry, these centipedes live in tropical and subtropical climates. Their bite is not fatal to humans, but quite unpleasant. Blisters and redness occur at the site of the bite, accompanied by pain and swelling. Symptoms disappear within two days.
The centipedes that you can find in your home are absolutely harmless and do not contain poison that is deadly to us. So if contact of the first kind happens between you by accident, you can be completely confident in your safety, despite their aggressive appearance. The house scolopendra is also called a flycatcher, as it feeds on small insects.
And to completely calm down, let's look at why we shouldn't be afraid of house centipedes. So, domestic scolopendras are absolutely safe:
- they are not carriers of diseases;
- do not eat our products;
- do not penetrate our wardrobe;
- If possible, they avoid a person, and when meeting him, the scolopendra will quickly seek refuge in a darker place.
Meanwhile, the presence of centipedes in our home may indicate increased humidity and possible mold. Centipedes also live in homes where there are other small pests. Centipedes are predators. They survive at home thanks to the presence of food supply - other insects. And some of them can disrupt our comfort and cause harm to health, for example, bedbugs.
Scolopendra bite - symptoms
The history of a scolopendra bite is usually straightforward. The victim (often a gardener) usually sees the creature. Patients may notice the following symptoms:
- Severe pain (the larger the scolopendra, the stronger the pain);
- Swelling of local tissues;
- Redness;
- swollen, painful lymph nodes;
- Headache;
- Chest pain;
- Heartbeat;
- Nausea and/or vomiting;
- Anxiety;
- Local skin itching.
Diagnosis of a scolopendra bite
Physical findings due to a millipede bite may include the following:
- Local swelling;
- Small puncture wounds (may be difficult to see);
- Erythema;
- Ecchymosis;
- Lymphangitis and/or lymphadenopathy;
- Rarely vesicles or blisters;
- Possibility of local necrosis;
- The patient is in a state of anxiety.
The following laboratory tests may be performed for a scolopendra bite: a bedside urine test for proteinuria. This same test can detect myoglobinuria due to rhabdomyolysis in patients with significant swelling and pain in the affected limb. If evidence of rhabdomyolysis is present, serum electrolytes and renal function tests should be performed. A complete blood cell count may reveal neutrophilic leukocytosis.
Scolopendra bitten - what to do
If you are bitten by a scolopendra, be prepared for the following consequences (they are not fatal). The bites can be extremely painful and take a long time (1-2 days) for the pain to subside. The main symptoms that can be detected immediately after a bite are pain; it can vary from minor to very severe. Fever and feeling very tired may also occur. The skin will likely be extremely sensitive in the area of the bite, swelling and redness will occur, followed by loss of sensation and numbness.
Centipedes are somehow similar to wasps, which do not leave a sting in the wound and are capable of biting a person several times in a row. Often this creature continues to prick human skin after one bite and thus poisons further even when detected. Centipedes can usually bite while a person is sleeping in bed, but they can also crawl around in clothes and bite while a person is getting dressed. The good news is that the scolopendra's bite is not fatal. Scientists say that in order to receive a lethal dose for the average adult, a concentration of almost 1,000 scolopendra venom glands is needed.
Helpful tip: If you are bitten by a scolopendra, find a saucepan, fill it with moderately hot water and soak the affected limb or take a hot bath.
This simple measure can relieve pain. Scientists still cannot accurately explain this phenomenon, but they suspect that a possible reason is that some of the components of the poison that the scolopendra secretes cannot withstand the temperature.
Scolopendra appearance and habitat
Scolopendra or centipede (Scolopendra) is a spineless arthropod animal belonging to the genus of labiopods. There are about 8 thousand species of these creatures in the world, of which only one is aquatic.
This animal lives in areas with warm climates. Scolopendras are found in Crimea, in Europe, Africa, Asia, South and North America, and Australia. But the most gigantic species live only in the tropics. Scolopendras prefer forests, caves, deserts, and mountain peaks.
In these arthropods, the body is conventionally divided into two parts: the head and the body. Its length ranges from 10 to 35 cm, depending on the species. The body of the scolopendra is divided into segments, which can be 21 or 23. Each of them has a pair of walking legs. On the head of the animal there are two oral appendages ending in sickle-shaped claws. At the top of each of them there is a poisonous gland.
By their nature, scolopendras belong to the category of predators. They mainly feed on mollusks, annelids, and insects. Large species of this arthropod are capable of hunting lizards, frogs and even bats. During an attack, the centipede curls up around its victim, injects venom when it bites, and does not let go until it takes effect. Only after this does she start eating.
The natural enemies of scolopendra are snakes.
ringed worm
The lifespan of centipedes is 2-3 years. The peculiarity of these animals is that if they lose their legs, they can regenerate after molting. However, the new limbs will be shorter than the previous ones.
Scolopendra leads a hidden lifestyle. During the day, she prefers to hide away from the sun's rays in dark, damp places, and goes out hunting at night. The animal lives in gorges, under stones, fallen leaves, bark, in rotten stumps and trees.
In the daytime, the centipede can be seen if something has disturbed it. In this case, trying to find a secluded place, she can climb into the tent and backpacks of tourists.
First aid for a scolopendra bite
No special first aid measures are required for a centipede bite. Medical attention should be sought if pain persists or systemic symptoms occur. Topical application of ice may reduce some discomfort. However, local application of heat or immersion in a hot bath has been found to work better. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the poison that scolopendra secretes is thermolabile and disintegrates when the temperature rises.
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- Pain can be controlled with systemic analgesics as needed. Local injectable anesthetics (for example, lidocaine) can help relieve severe pain. They can be administered locally or used to perform a regional nerve block.
- Antitetanus serum should be administered as needed.
- Prophylactic antibiotics are not necessary, but if secondary infections occur, they should be treated with appropriate antibiotics (to cover gram-positive bacteria).
- Antihistamines are used for patients with significant itching.
- Patients should be observed for approximately 4 hours after a scolopendra bite for evidence of systemic toxicity.
- Patients with signs of anaphylaxis should be treated in a standard way (treatment of anaphylactic shock).
Most millipede bites are minor and can be treated well with conservative treatments. In rare, more severe cases, consultation with a regional poison control center specialist is required. Very rarely should a specialist be involved in the treatment, for example: Surgeon: When there is very severe swelling and a fasciotomy is required. Cardiologist: If the patient has signs of cardiovascular complications. Nephrologist: If rhabdomyolysis occurs and is complicated by acute renal failure.
What to do if centipedes live in the house
Don't worry about furniture and other items. These insects do not damage things. On the other hand, some species can secrete a foul-smelling liquid, but it is unlikely that the smell will be strong - for this you need to have a horde of centipedes at home. Since millipedes are herbivorous scavengers, they may be interested in rotting wood, so we recommend that you regularly check that your attics and basements are not too damp. In general, centipedes actively destroy pests, since their diet includes flies, cockroaches, termites and even spiders. Sometimes centipedes even protect their place of residence from even more harmful creatures. That is why you are better off living in peace with them if you are not afraid of them.
Bite symptoms
If a person is bitten by a centipede, then local symptoms first appear, indicating the body’s reaction to the introduction of the toxin. First, there is a sharp pain, and the site of the centipede bite looks the same as if it had been stung by a wasp. That is, swelling appears, the painful area becomes inflamed. In the future, there may be a feeling of annoying itching and enlargement of regional lymph nodes.
Bite
When the poison enters a person's bloodstream, common symptoms appear. They are caused by the effect of the toxin on the nervous system.
The main symptoms of a centipede bite:
- general weakness;
- pain in joints and muscles;
- increased body temperature, chills;
- nausea, vomiting;
- headache;
- low blood pressure.
Malaise can be felt for 2-3 days, and local symptoms can persist much longer.
Consequences
Complications of a scolopendra bite may include:
- Secondary infection
- Necrosis (rare)
- Muscle breakdown—rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, and acute renal failure
- Possible coronary vasospasm and acute myocardial infarction
- Anaphylactic shock (patients with a history of sensitivity to Hymenoptera venom may be at higher risk.)
https://medicalit.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/sorokonozhka.jpg https://medicalit.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/sorokonozhka-300×238.jpg2016-09-09T17 :56:04+00:00 adminPoisoning with venoms from snakes, insects, fish stings. About 3,500 species of centipedes are found in the class Chilopoda, a type of arthropod. They are among the least well studied arthropods. Millipedes have an elongated, multi-segmented body with one pair of legs on each body segment. They are widespread, present on every continent except Antarctica, and are especially common in warm temperate and tropical areas. Centipedes...admin [email protected] Medical literature online
Varieties of centipedes and their habitat
There are a lot of varieties of centipedes, almost all of them are similar in body structure and a large number of legs. Let's look at the most famous species of centipedes and their habitat.
Common flycatcher (scutigera)
Scolopendra scutigera is a centipede from the order Scutigeromorpha of the labiopod class. The adult is 35 to 60 mm long, yellow-gray in color with long striped legs.
Feeds on small insects. Lives in Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. They are also found in the territory of Ukraine, the Caucasus, Moldova, Kazakhstan, and southern Russia.
The natural habitat of the common flycatcher is dry fallen leaves. With the onset of cold weather, it begins to seek shelter, so it may end up in an apartment, especially in damp rooms - a bathroom, toilet, basement.
It is practically safe for humans, as it cannot bite through the skin of humans and pets. The maximum harm that scolopendra scutigera can cause to a person is redness and swelling of the skin; its bite is comparable to the sting of one wasp.
It also does not cause any harm to exposed food and furniture, and in some regions it is generally considered a rare beneficial species of arthropod that cannot be killed. Therefore, do not be afraid if you meet her at home, carefully pick her up with a net or other tool and send her “for a walk” outside the window.
Giant centipede - the largest centipede
The giant scolopendra lives most often in the west and north of South America, on the islands of Trinidad and Jamaica. They feed on insects in the same way as other species of centipedes, but there are known cases of giant centipedes attacking lizards, toads, mice and even birds.
The strongly built body consists of 21-23 segments of brown or red color with a pair of bright yellow legs. Poisonous jaws can cause harm to a person in the form of swelling, redness and severe pain, and occasionally fever, weakness and fever. For an adult, the venom of the giant scolopendra is not fatal. The poison consists of the following substances: contains acetylcholine, serotonin, histamine, lecithin, thermolysins, hyaluronidases.
Ringed scolopendra (Crimean)
The ringed scolopendra is the most common species of centipede in Southern Europe and the countries of the Mediterranean basin, including Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, Greece, and Crimea. He also lives in Northern Africa: Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Morocco.
It is inferior in size to the giant centipede, reaching an average of 10-15 cm. The venom of the ringed centipede is also not as toxic as that of its “big brother”. A very fast and agile predator, it hunts almost all living creatures that are smaller in size - insects, lizards.
Chinese red scolopendra
The Chinese red scolopendra lives in eastern Asia and Australia. Unlike many other species of centipedes, it is less aggressive and more social, it can live in peace with its relatives in communities (most species of centipedes are solitary).
In Chinese medicine, this type of scolopendra is used to speed up the healing of skin diseases and injuries.
California scolopendra
The California scolopendra lives in arid areas of the United States and Mexico, although other scolopendra species prefer wetter habitats.
A bite from a California scolopendra or touching its legs when disturbed can cause minor harm to a person in the form of inflammation. There have even been cases of rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure after being bitten by this centipede.
