Quick Answers
Technically, humans can eat centipedes. However, it is not recommended to intentionally eat them. Centipedes can bite or sting, and some species are venomous. Eating centipedes also provides little nutritional value for humans. There are risks of illness from eating centipedes raw due to bacteria or parasites. While survival situations may call for eating centipedes, they are best avoided as a food source.
What Are Centipedes?
Centipedes are arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda. There are around 3,300 species of centipedes worldwide. Centipedes have elongated, flattened bodies with one pair of legs per body segment. They range in size from under 1 inch to over 1 foot long for the largest tropical species.
Centipedes are carnivorous and prey on smaller arthropods and other invertebrates. They use a pair of venom claws behind their head to subdue prey. The venom claws inject neurotoxic and proteolytic venom that paralyzes and digests prey. While not all species are dangerous to humans, larger tropical centipedes can inflict painful stings that cause swelling and necrosis.
Common Centipede Species
Some common centipede species around the world include:
- Scolopendra – The largest centipede genus, found in tropical regions. Includes Scolopendra gigantea, the Amazonian giant centipede, which can reach over 1 foot in length.
- Cryptops – A genus found worldwide in temperate regions. Cryptops species are small, typically under 3 inches long.
- Lithobius – A genus found throughout temperate regions. Stone centipedes in the genus Lithobius have 15+ pairs of legs and grow to around 1.5 inches long.
- Scutigera – The house centipede. Scutigera coleoptrata has 15 pairs of very long legs and is common in human dwellings, reaching up to 1.3 inches long.
There are also many other genera and species of centipedes adapted to specific environments around the world. The diversity of centipedes reflects their evolutionary success as predators.
Can Humans Eat Centipedes?
Centipedes are edible by humans, although they are not a recommended or desirable food source. There are several factors to consider regarding the risks and benefits of eating centipedes.
Nutritional Value
Centipedes are not an efficient nutritional source for humans. Given their small size, a large number of centipedes would have to be eaten to obtain substantial calories or nutrients.
According to nutrition data, giant desert centipedes (Scolopendra heros) contain approximately:
- Calories: 37 kcal per 100g
- Protein: 6.7g per 100g
- Fat: 1.4g per 100g
- Carbs: 2.1g per 100g
For comparison, beef contains about 250kcal and 25g of protein per 100g. Centipedes have a much lower calorie and protein density compared to livestock meat or fish. They are not an efficient nutritional source outside of survival situations with no other food available.
Toxin and Allergy Risks
Eating centipedes poses risks from venom, toxins, or allergies. Many centipede species have venom claws that can cause pain and swelling in humans. Consuming the venom through eating centipedes may cause gastrointestinal issues.
Centipedes also produce toxins like benzoquinones that serve as a chemical defense. While not deadly, these compounds can irritate mucous membranes and cause adverse reactions if eaten.
As with any novel food, some people may have allergic responses to compounds in centipedes. Anaphylaxis after eating centipedes has been reported in isolated cases.
Parasite and Microbe Hazards
Centipedes are also potential vectors for parasites, bacteria, or other pathogens harmful to humans. Eating raw or undercooked centipedes could transmit foodborne illnesses. This is especially a concern with wild-caught specimens versus captive-raised.
Simple foodborne pathogens like Salmonella or E. Coli could be present on raw centipedes. More concerning are parasites like tapeworms that may infest the centipede’s body or digestive tract.
Proper cooking should kill most microbes and parasites. But the hazard does remain from eating raw or undercooked centipedes in dishes like ceviche.
Availability and Legality
Centipedes are not a common food. They require specialized breeding to be raised in captivity for consumption. Availability is limited to private exotic food suppliers currently.
However, regulations may restrict centipedes as a food source. For example, the FDA has raised concerns over importing giant water bugs for food due to parasite risks. Similar concerns may restrict importing and selling centipedes within the United States or other countries.
So the practical barriers to access may preclude centipedes from becoming a mainstream food source. But exotic cuisine suppliers could make them available as a novelty to those seeking that experience.
History of Human Consumption
There are limited but notable examples of human centipede consumption historically and contemporarily:
China
Centipedes have reportedly been eaten in China for hundreds or thousands of years. Ancient Chinese texts refer to centipedes being used as medicine. Centipedes were also noted as a famine food by later Chinese naturalists.
Currently, stir-fried centipedes are a specialty dish in some regions of China like Sichuan. Large tropical centipedes are most desirable for this cuisine due to their size.
Venezuela
Venezuelan tribes in the Amazon rainforest have been documented eating roasted giant centipedes. The Piaroa tribe uses the venomous giant centipedes in initiation ceremonies for adolescent boys.
After roasting them to denature the venom, the tribe eats the centipedes to gain strength. They can reach 8 inches in length, providing substantial fare.
United States
Centipedes are eaten as a novelty food by some in the United States. The most common preparation is deep-fried. Cajun-style recipes also exist that season and cook the centipedes.
Consuming house centipedes provides little substance. Larger desert, jungle, or giant centipedes are preferred ingredients for centipede recipes in the US.
Demand remains low. But specialty breeders and exotic food suppliers now offer live and cooked centipedes for consumption in the US.
How to Cook Centipedes
For those seeking to intentionally eat centipedes, proper cooking is vital to mitigate risks:
Acquisition
Centipedes should be obtained from reputable exotic food suppliers whenever possible. Avoid wild harvesting centipedes, as they pose higher parasite risks.
Cleaning
Centipedes should be killed quickly in boiling water or by freezing. Then boil centipedes for 5+ minutes to sterilize the exterior. Avoid raw preparations that do not cook thoroughly.
Cooking Methods
Common cooking methods for centipedes include:
- Boiling – Boil for at least 5 minutes to ensure safety.
- Frying – Deep fry centipedes until crispy.
- Roasting – Roast at 400°F for 5+ minutes to kill microbes.
- Steaming – Steam for 5-10 minutes.
Avoid eating raw or undercooked centipedes. Cooking neutralizes venom, sterilizes parasites and microbes, and improves texture.
Flavors
Centipedes reportedly have a mushroom-like flavor when cooked thoroughly. They can be seasoned with various spices:
- Garlic, onion, salt, and pepper
- Cajun seasoning like paprika and cayenne pepper
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for Chinese centipede dishes
The neutral centipede flavor lends itself to many cuisine styles. Cooked correctly, it resembles other shellfish like shrimp or crab.
Eating Centipedes for Survival
In extreme survival situations with no other food sources, eating centipedes may become necessary for sustenance. While not recommended under normal conditions, centipedes can provide nutrition to prolong survival if faced with starvation.
Finding Centipedes
Centipedes can be found under logs and leaf litter in forests, as well as under rocks, wood, and other debris in deserts. Larger tropical centipedes may be more easily spotted at night when hunting.
Preparing Centipedes
In survival scenarios without cooking equipment, centipedes may need to be consumed raw. The risks of toxins or parasites may need to be tolerated, as starvation is the immediate threat.
If possible, quickly boiling centipedes for 2-3 minutes can help reduce risks. Roasting over an open fire also helps make them safer to eat.
Staying Safe
When no other food is available, eating centipedes improves chances of survival. But parasites, toxins, and allergies remain a hazard with raw centipedes. Avoid overconsumption.
Additionally, properly rehydrate and build strength if rescued after surviving on centipedes. Introduce normal foods gradually to avoid refeeding syndrome.
Benefits of Eating Centipedes
While risks are involved, some potential benefits have been proposed for eating centipedes:
Protein and Fat
Centipedes can provide marginal amounts of protein and fat. In survival settings, centipedes contain valuable calories and macro nutrients.
Iron and Zinc
Reported analyses show centipedes contain iron and zinc. Centipedes could supplement diets deficient in these minerals.
Adventure
For some culinary thrill seekers, eating centipedes provides novelty and adventure. The experience itself has value for many food explorers.
Should You Eat Centipedes?
Overall, the risks outweigh potential benefits for intentionally eating centipedes in normal circumstances. Concerns over toxicity, parasites, and allergies make them an unsafe and impractical food choice.
In survival situations, eating centipedes may become necessary despite the hazards. But in general, humans should avoid eating centipedes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are centipedes poisonous to humans?
Many centipede species have venom that causes pain and swelling if injected by their pincers. The venom is not poisonous to humans in small doses. However, toxicity risks rise if large amounts of venom are consumed by eating centipedes raw.
What do centipedes taste like?
Cooked centipedes are described as having a mild mushroom or shellfish-like flavor. Raw centipedes likely have a more bitter taste with the venom unaffected by heat. Seasonings can enhance cooked centipede flavor.
Can you eat house centipedes?
The small house centipedes found in homes could technically be eaten. But their size provides very little nutrition or substance. Larger tropical centipedes are preferred for consumption based on availability.
Do people eat centipedes?
Centipedes are eaten and considered a delicacy in some regions of China. Venezuelan tribes and other indigenous peoples have been known to eat large tropical centipedes. They remain a novelty food in Western cultures.
How do you clean centipedes before cooking?
Centipedes should first be killed quickly in boiling water or by freezing. Then boil the centipedes for at least 5 minutes to sterilize them before final cooking. Avoid eating raw centipedes.
Conclusion
Centipedes are not a recommended food source and provide little nutritional value for humans. The risks outweigh potential benefits outside of survival situations where other food is unavailable. With proper preparation, centipedes can be consumed safely, but they remain a novelty food unlikely to gain widespread popularity.