HOUSE FLIES, CENTIPEDES, AND OTHER INSECTS. 



49 



fringe of fifteen pairs of long legs. The last pair are much longer than 

 the others, in the female more than twice the length of the body. In 

 color it is of a grayish yellow, marked above with three longitudinal 

 dark stripes. Examination of its mouth parts shows that they are very 

 powerful, and fitted for biting, indicating a predatory or carnivorous 

 habit. 



The indications of its mouth parts are borne out by its food habit-. 

 besides being indicated by the known food habits of the other members 

 of the group of centipedes to Avhich it belongs. It was inferred, before 

 any direct observations were made, that its food was probably house 

 flies, roaches, and any other insect inhabitants of dwellings. Later 

 many direct observations have confirmed this inference, and in cap- 



Fig. 17 .—Scutigera forceps : a, newly-hatched individual: h. one of legs of 

 .same: r. terminal segment of body showing undeveloped Legs coiled np 

 within— all enlarged (original). 



tivity. on the authority of Professor Hargitt, it feeds readily on roaches, 

 house flies, and other insects. Miss Murtfeldt reports also having 

 observed specimens devouring small moths. During the act of devour- 

 ing a moth they kept their numerous long legs vibrating with incredible 

 swiftness, so as to give the appearance of a hazy spot or space sur- 

 rounding the fluttering moth (Insect Life, Yol. VI, p. 258). It is sup 

 posed also to feed on the bedbug, and doubtless will eat any insect 

 which it captures, and its quickness and agility leave few insects safe 

 from it. 



Messrs. Fletcher and Howard observed its mode of capturing the 

 croton bug, which is interesting as illustrating the habits of this centi- 

 pede and its allies. In this instance the centipede sprang over its 

 280,-)— No. 4 4 



