REVENGE of the Centipede - Will it Bite?

TL;DR

Coyote Peterson recounts his painful experience of being intentionally bitten by a giant desert centipede, known for its excruciating bite.

Transcript

• Unh, I get so nervous working around centipedes. Oh, this is such a delicate balance. I'm gonna move this log out of the way. Do not bite me. (intense music) (suspenseful music) Remember how I said that when I was a kid, nothing was more terrifying than a scorpion? Well, that was accurate, right up until I was introduced to the giant desert centi... Read More

Key Insights

• 🚫 The giant desert centipede has a bite more painful than a rattlesnake, making it one of the most painful bites in the United States.
• 👪 This species belongs to the myriapod family, which includes both centipedes and millipedes.
• 🤕 The giant desert centipede has a false head to confuse predators and powerful mandibles with venom glands.
• 😣 Despite not being deadly, the bite can cause severe swelling and pain for several hours.
• 🐪 Encounters with giant desert centipedes are not uncommon in backyard environments.
• 🦿 The centipede's legs have small hooks, making it difficult to brush off if it crawls on clothing or skin.
• 🐪 Coyote Peterson advises against interacting with giant desert centipedes due to the potential for painful bites.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the giant desert centipede's bite so painful?

The giant desert centipede has razor-sharp mandibles with venom glands that explode red blood cells from the inside out, causing extreme pain and swelling.

Q: How dangerous is the bite of a giant desert centipede?

While the bite is not deadly, it is considered dangerous due to the excruciating pain it inflicts and the potential for severe swelling and discomfort.

Q: What should you do if you encounter a giant desert centipede?

It is advised to take a step back and walk in another direction, avoiding any interaction with the centipede due to its painful bite.

Q: How big can the giant desert centipede grow?

The giant desert centipede can reach lengths of up to 12 inches, making it the largest centipede species in North America.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Coyote Peterson encounters a giant desert centipede while on a nocturnal scavenger hunt in Arizona and decides to capture it.

• He explains that the giant desert centipede has a bite more painful than a rattlesnake and shares its unique features and behavior.

• Coyote reveals his personal experience of being bitten by a giant desert centipede, describing the intense pain and swelling it caused.