Centipede vs. Cockroach — What's the Difference?

Carnivorous arthropods known for their multiple legs.

Resilient insects with a broad, flat body.

Have a segmented body with a pair of legs per segment.

Omnivorous pests often found in human habitats.

Utilize venomous claws to capture prey.

Reproduce rapidly, making them difficult to eradicate.

Prefer moist and dark habitats.

Play a role in decomposing organic matter.

Known for their quick and agile movements.

Can survive in a variety of environments.

Any of various predatory arthropods of the class Chilopoda, having a long flattened body composed of segments, each bearing a pair of jointed appendages. The appendages of the foremost body segment are modified into venomous claws. Also called chilopod.

Cockroaches (or roaches) are insects of the order Blattodea, which also includes termites. About 30 cockroach species out of 4,600 are associated with human habitats.

Centipedes (from the New Latin prefix centi-, "hundred", and the Latin word pes, pedis, "foot") are predatory arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda (Ancient Greek χεῖλος, kheilos, lip, and New Latin suffix -poda, "foot", describing the forcipules) of the subphylum Myriapoda, an arthropod group which also includes millipedes and other multi-legged creatures. Centipedes are elongated metameric creatures with one pair of legs per body segment.

Any of numerous insects of the order or suborder Blattaria, having oval flat bodies and laying eggs in hardened cases, and including several species that are common household pests.

Any arthropod of class Chilopoda, which have a segmented body with one pair of legs per segment and from about 20 to 300 legs in total.

A black or brown straight-winged insect of the order Blattodea.

A species of the Myriapoda; esp. the large, flattened, venomous kinds of the order Chilopoda, found in tropical climates. they are many-jointed, and have a great number of feet.

A person or a member of a group of people regarded as undesirable and rapidly procreating.

Chiefly nocturnal predacious arthropod having a flattened body of 15 to 173 segments each with a pair of legs the foremost being modified into poison fangs

A Tutsi.

A person from New South Wales.

A hard lump of brown sugar.

An orthopterous insect of the genus Blatta, and allied genera.

Any of numerous chiefly nocturnal insects; some are domestic pests

Cockroaches can spread diseases and allergens, making them a health concern in human habitats.

Centipedes control pest populations by preying on small insects, making them beneficial predators in gardens and ecosystems.

Cockroaches' rapid reproduction, resilience, and ability to hide in small spaces make them challenging to eradicate.

Most centipedes have venom to subdue prey, but not all pose a significant threat to humans.

Many centipedes are nocturnal, hunting and being active at night to avoid predators and retain moisture.

Cockroaches communicate through chemicals called pheromones, which can indicate danger, food sources, or mating readiness.

Some centipede species are kept by enthusiasts, but they require careful handling due to their venom.

Centipedes use their speed, venomous claws, and ability to coil up to defend against threats.

Cockroaches can survive for a period without their head due to their open circulatory system and slow need for oxygen.

Centipedes lay eggs in soil or concealed locations, with the female sometimes guarding them until they hatch.

Cockroaches are attracted to food, water, and shelter, making homes ideal environments for them.

Cockroaches play a role in decomposing and recycling organic matter, contributing to nutrient cycles.

While they may share similar habitats, centipedes may predate on cockroaches due to their carnivorous nature.

Centipedes are preyed upon by larger animals, including birds, mammals, and larger arthropods.

Cockroach lifespans vary by species, but many live for about a year in ideal conditions.