What is this? Do I need to be alarmed? - Hemiscolopendra marginata

Moved

Moved from Scolopendra.

… Hannah Nendick-Mason, 8 March, 2007 - 6:55am

In Tennessee, this centipede

In Tennessee, this centipede can only be Hemiscolopendra marginata (Say, 1821).

… Rowland Shelley, 7 March, 2007 - 9:06pm

Hemiscolopendra, not Scolopendra

Different genus, same order

… Ed Corey, 26 February, 2007 - 10:00pm

Swelling- Cause for alarm?

I would say that swelling away from the area bitten might be sign of a more general allergic reaction to the bite, and would be reason to seek medical attention. Of course, I'm not a doctor or an expert on centipede bites.

… Chuck Entz, 11 October, 2005 - 2:14pm

It's a centipede

- usually their bite is described as no worse than a bee sting.
See fact sheet from OSU. Swelling would be a normal reaction, I should think, but if you're particularly sensitive you might need something to help it subside.
Centipedes are predators and are thus generally considered beneficial but, like spiders, you don't want to be messing with them. See also this article by one of our editors.

… Hannah Nendick-Mason, 11 October, 2005 - 12:54pm