How Do Centipedes Reproduce? A Detailed Guide to Centipede Reproduction Methods

We all know about centipedes. They can be used as medicine, have considerable economic value, and quite a few people breed them. So do you know how centipedes reproduce? Let's take a look below~

How Do Centipedes Reproduce

Centipedes grow for 3 to 4 years, and when their body length reaches 10 cm they reach sexual maturity and begin reproductive activity. Generally, from March to June each year, in late spring and early summer, when the temperature rises above 25°C, they enter the mating and breeding period.

Centipedes grow for 3 years (that is, after the 3rd instar stage) and their gonads develop to maturity, allowing them to mate and reproduce. The mating period is from May to September each year, mostly at night, though it also occurs in the early morning and at dusk. During mating, the male centipede climbs onto one side of the back of the female centipede, with all the legs on one side raised up; at this time the female lies on her back, with the legs on one side also raised. After a short while, the male discharges a whip-like spermatophore from the genital pore and inserts it into the female's genital pore, and mating is then complete.

Each year in late spring and early summer, the egg cells in the ovary gradually develop and mature. The usual number of eggs laid is 20 to 60, mostly 40 to 50, with a few laying fewer than 10. The egg-laying season is from late June to early August, that is, during the period from the summer solstice to the beginning of autumn, with early and mid July being the peak egg-laying period.

From hatching from the egg, through larval development and growth, until becoming an adult, a centipede must go through several molts, and each molt makes it noticeably larger. Adult centipedes generally molt once a year, and a few molt twice. Before an adult centipede molts, the dorsal plates lift up and lose their luster, the body color changes from dark green to light green with a slightly scorched-yellow tinge, the legs change from red to yellow, the whole body becomes swollen and thick, movement is slow, it does not eat, and its vision and sense of touch weaken, so that when prodded it cannot quickly escape.