Centipedes have different species in the north and south (and probably other parts of the world). They're different sizes and pose different. Most northern states have the small thin hair-ball looking centipedes. The south has the more snake kind with stingers on the front. Usually a lot larger too. Thicker and less legs

But neither are really a bug to be scared of

I try not to be afraid of bugs. I don't like centipedes in the least. Spiders I have mixed feelings about. At work I usually try to save them. One of the girls there with a bleeding heart and phobia of bugs yelled for me to help her once. To get a spider. Then as soon as I moved to assess the situation she yelled "Don't kill it!". Which I really had no intention of doing. I put my hand down and let it crawl onto me. She ran away screaming :( I just walked outside and shook my hand

Centipedes and wasps are really the only creatures that give me goosebumps. Hornets too but I almost never have to deal with them

Very glad I never have to face down one of these puppies



On a scale of pain inflicted by insects. This little baby ranked the highest for fastest most painful after-effects. Ranking quite a bit above even fire ants and the like

A desert wasp known as the Tarantula Hawk

Be afraid :P