Can you help me identify this insect in our apartment?

[UnionSquarePark]

We spotted one of these in our NYC apartment yesterday, and another one today. Both times were in the bathroom. I’ve never seen something like this before. Pictures are from right after it got a good dose of Raid.

We can’t figure out where it’s coming from but closed the bathroom drain just in case.

Anybody have an idea? Is it exterminator time?

Thanks so much!

[Ruffian]

Bam! First Google hit nailed it: it appears to be a house centipede.

My Google-Fu is strong today. BTW, it appeared to be some type of centipede, so I just searched using “New York centipede.” Huh.

From the Wiki:

Scutigera coleoptrata (one of several species commonly known as the house centipede), is a typically yellowish-grey centipede with 15 pairs of legs. Originally endemic to the Mediterranean region, the species has spread to other parts of the world, where it usually lives in human homes. It is an insectivore; it kills and eats arthropods such as insects and arachnids. Its common names include “silverfish” in parts of America (though this is technically incorrect), gejigeji in Japan, and “mustache bug” in many other cultures.

<snip>

House centipedes feed on spiders, bedbugs, termites, cockroaches, silverfish, ants, and other household arthropods.

Sounds like a useful fellow to have around. Leaves you alone, and eats the nasties.

[Eyebrows_0f_Doom]

Blergh! I knew exactly what it would be before even seeing the pic. I *hate *those guys! They are *so *fast.

[panache45]

Do you seriously consider that an insect?

[thelurkinghorror]

No need for an exterminator. They don’t come in packs and aren’t a sign of anything. However, kill it or shoo it out; I’m told they give a nasty bite.

[EdwardLost]

My first thought was: a Photoshopped cricket.

[mozchron]

@thelurkinghorror

No need for an exterminator. They don’t come in packs and aren’t a sign of anything. However, kill it or shoo it out; I’m told they give a nasty bite.

Don’t kill it. House centipedes are generally harmless, and they kill and eat many pest insects - I like it when I find one (unfortunately, so do my cats!).

With centipedes, you need to distinguish bites vs. stings. BItes come from the mouthparts. The mouthparts of a house centipede are not strong enough to penetrate human skin - ergo, they don’t bite.

Centipedes also envenomate by stinging. The first pair of legs are modified essentially into hypodermic needles that deliver venom. House centipedes CAN sting, but stings are uncommon, and mild - less than a bee sting.

They are neat critters!

[TruCelt]

It is an insectivore; it kills and eats arthropods such as insects and arachnids.

If you find a mating pair, send them to me!

[UnionSquarePark]

Thanks for the help everybody, and especially for the quick identification by Ruffian! We didn’t see any after closing our bathroom drain last night so that may have been the source, however, obviously I can’t be sure.

Our building has an exterminator service we can request; while I admire those of you who want me to save it, we are very skittish having these around. If we see another I think I’ll call it in. I’ll certainly be able to tell them what we’re seeing now, though!