Chapter 10:

Giant Redheaded Centipede

 

Insect Info:

Centipedes are arthropods similar to millipedes, though they have one pair of legs per body segment, whereas the millipede has two pairs of jointed legs per segment. Many species of millipedes are also edible, though both can be toxic. The giant redheaded centipede is a fast-moving and aggressive centipede, but catching one could provide you with a substantial nutritional snack since they are among the largest of the centipedes, measuring on average 6.5 inches in length.

Note that some larger species of centipede, including the giant redheaded variety, can deliver a painful bite causing severe swelling, fever and weakness, though bites are very rarely fatal. Smaller centipedes might also bite though they are unable to puncture human skin. Most centipedes move quickly because of their numerous legs and are therefore difficult to catch. Despite these factors, centipedes are eaten by humans since they provide important calories.

Giant redheaded centipedes are widely distributed in the southern states of the U.S, particularly in rocky woodland. In general, centipedes can be found in dark and moist microhabitats across many different habitat types, including savannah, forest, agricultural land, and desert. Good places to collect them include underneath stones, leaf litter, and in soil. They are mostly nocturnal so searching in the early evening or early morning is a good idea.

How To Eat:

Centipedes are sold as street food and are used in traditional medicine in parts of China. In medicine, extracts are used as a laxative and to dissipate toxins. In Thailand and Vietnam, giant centipedes are farmed, cooked, and eaten as well as being sold online whole or powdered. In Thailand and Vietnam, centipedes are roasted until crispy, and then seasoned in salt or dipped in sweet chili sauce.

Centipedes vary in size, though often measure 4-8 inches in length and can range in color from yellow to reddish brown. As the name suggests, the giant redheaded centipede has a bright red head, as well as a long black body and yellow legs.

They can be grilled on wooden sticks until they are crispy, or they can be fried in oil. Because of its shell and legs, the centipede has a crunch to it, but if your options are limited it could provide a valuable food source. Centipedes can also be boiled or dried and stored for later consumption, or ground into powder for use in herbal preparations. Centipedes have less protein than the grasshopper, termite, and June bug, though they do provide carbohydrates and are low in sodium and do not contain cholesterol. The taste has been described as bitter and salty. Remember to remove the head and pincers before eating.