“What a scolopendra!” - so sometimes they talk about evil people who differ in their nasty character in general and cunning in particular. The word ends with the letter “a, ” and therefore an unflattering definition is often addressed to women. In the original sense, this is not a curse, but an insect considered exotic. By the way, females are really more poisonous, but this applies to most types of insects.
Scolopendra as a species
In fact, the brightest representatives of this species live in warm tropical countries. Some species can reach a length of two and a half decimeters; they prey on lizards, toads, mice, and if you are lucky, then on birds. This creature consists of separate ring-shaped segments equipped with legs, the number of which can range from two dozen to 23 pairs (a larger number is not fixed). At the same time, the fore and hind limbs always bear the functional load. With the help of the hind legs, the scolopendra clings to everything that is horrible to hold on, and with the front legs it grabs the prey and stings it, after which it slowly and tastefully consumes food. The insect is a multi-legged "poison factory" that contains many bioactive compounds, from histamine and lecithin to serotonin and acetylcholine. An acute reaction to a bite usually lasts up to two hours, it is painful, accompanied by swelling, general weakness and fever.
It is difficult to surprise exotic Latin insects and inhabitants of tropical islands. But they are also found in our country. For example, the Crimean ringed scolopendra is distributed, as its name implies, on the glorious Black Sea peninsula.
Appearance
This insect is considered ugly. But not everyone shares the view that it is unattractive. A scientist involved in the study of biological species may very well admire: “What a magnificent specimen!” When examining a particularly large individual. Yes, and creatures of the opposite sex, some of their brothers can seem quite attractive. On all the others, the Crimean scolopendra makes a repulsive impression that it, however, is not very upset. In the adult stage, it reaches ten, and sometimes fifteen, centimeters in length. Outwardly, it looks like a caterpillar equipped with additional “options” in the form of many legs and menacingly protruding weapons. The color is militaristic, closest in hue to khaki, olive-brown or brownish, which is evidenced by the gradation of insects in the world of reluctance to enter into conflicts and the desire to sneak secretly and then disappear.
Camouflage and Disguise
She knows how to hide and camouflage, which is why the Crimean scolopendra is dangerous. A photo of an insect demonstrates its low visibility on the widespread natural tones of the subtropics. Being non-aggressive in nature, it is easily frightened, despite its menacing appearance. The reaction becomes the release of a special toxic substance, sticky and burning. This mucus causes itching, burning and allergies, especially in people prone to a painful reaction to toxins. You should be wary of touching, not to mention more tight contact. It is difficult to avoid meeting this unpleasant centipede precisely because of its good camouflage and the habit of this insect to seek refuge wherever you can hide from bright light.
Seeking Asylum
The Crimean Scolopendra is particularly dangerous for tourists, "savages" traveling with tents. When spending the night somewhere on Tarhankut, one should not forget that the tent should be closed, leaving only a buttoned mesh canopy. Shoeing, it will not be superfluous to turn over and shake shoes or sneakers, and then look into them. It is necessary to inspect both the sleeping bag and all the clothes. The insect shows activity only at night, in the morning it tries to hide in a more quiet place to sit there all day. If there are no tents with tourists, this large centipede simply burrows into loose soil (sand will also come off), but the desire for excessive comfort is harmful not only for people. As soon as visitors arrive, the insect seeks to find a place more comfortable. Unfortunately, the Crimean Scolopendra does not understand the purpose of things and mistakenly believes that nobody will need them in the daytime. Meeting people leads to mutual trouble.
Scolopendra Bite
Mucous discharge of scolopendra when it enters the human skin causes unpleasant consequences, but this is not the only and not the main means of self-defense. She also stings. The bite results in severe swelling, swelling, and allergies occur even in those who have never suffered from it. Do not be too scared, and even more so panic, scolopendra venom in most cases is not fatal. Perhaps that is why humanity did not bother to develop an antidote and did not even come up with any special methods of treatment in case of a bite. It’ll hurt a couple of days, then it will pass by itself - this is the main recommendation. In rare exceptional cases, you need to seek medical help, and then the doctor will prescribe a course that takes into account the characteristics of the victim’s body, which, as a rule, has allergic problems, the exacerbation of which was caused, without unwillingness, by the Crimean scolopendra. It is also necessary to remember that its poison reaches the greatest “lethal force” in May, then it becomes weaker.
