A young woman has spoken of her shock after finding a venomous centipede in her flat. Orlaith Armour said she spotted the "strange creature" on her kitchen wall after she returned from a late shift at Wetherspoons. The 19-year-old later found the many-legged minibeast was a rare Scutigera coleoptrata, which uses venom to kill its prey but is not harmful to humans. "I had never seen anything like it before. After asking my co-workers, we figured out it was a house centipede," she said. Steve Gregory, who runs the British Myriapod and Isopod Group's recording scheme, said the Scutigera coleoptrata was commonly known as the house centipede. He said the species originates from the Mediterranean and, at present, can only survive our cold winters inside buildings. Mr Gregory said sightings of the insect, which uses its venom to subdue and feed on flies and spiders, are becoming more common in Britain. He added that people who end up unintentionally housing one do not not need to worry as they are not dangerous to humans. "Although once very rare, it is expanding its range, possibly due to climate change," he said. "There were only three known sightings up to 1990, about 30 sighting between 1990 and 2020, and in 2024 there were over triple this number. "These are mostly from southern England, but in recent years it has been seen as far north as Lancashire and Yorkshire." Ms Armour, who moved to Lytham St Annes from Scotland two years ago, said she enlisted a brave colleague to help her catch the creature and released it. "From what I've learned, house centipedes are harmless and actually beneficial because they prey on other household pests," she said. Listen to the best ofBBC Radio Lancashire on Soundsand follow BBC Lancashire onFacebook,XandInstagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Woman finds rare venomous centipede in flat
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Young Woman Discovers Rare House Centipede in Her Flat"
Bbc News
8.4
TruthLens AI Summary
A young woman, Orlaith Armour, recently experienced a startling encounter when she discovered a rare venomous centipede in her flat. After returning home from a late shift at Wetherspoons, the 19-year-old noticed the unusual creature on her kitchen wall. Upon further investigation, Armour identified the centipede as a Scutigera coleoptrata, commonly known as the house centipede. While this species is venomous and uses its venom to incapacitate prey such as flies and spiders, it poses no danger to humans. Armour expressed her astonishment, stating, "I had never seen anything like it before," and noted that her co-workers helped her confirm its identity. The presence of the house centipede in her home sparked a mix of curiosity and concern, leading her to seek assistance in safely capturing and releasing the creature back into the wild.
Experts, including Steve Gregory from the British Myriapod and Isopod Group, provided insights into the increasing sightings of the house centipede across Britain. Originally from the Mediterranean, the Scutigera coleoptrata has adapted to survive the colder winters indoors, which has led to its growing presence in the UK. Gregory highlighted a significant rise in sightings over the years, noting that while there were only three recorded instances up to 1990, the number surged to over triple that in just 2024. Although primarily found in southern England, the centipede has recently been spotted further north, indicating a possible expansion of its range due to climate change. Armour, who moved to Lytham St Annes from Scotland two years ago, learned that house centipedes are not only harmless but also beneficial as they help control other household pests. This experience has left her with a newfound appreciation for the creature, as she acknowledges its role in maintaining a pest-free home.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents an intriguing account of a young woman who discovered a rare venomous centipede in her flat, triggering a blend of curiosity and concern regarding the presence of this creature in urban environments. Through this narrative, it aims to inform the public about the expanding range of the Scutigera coleoptrata, or house centipede, while alleviating fears surrounding its presence.
Public Perception and Reassurance
By emphasizing that the house centipede is not harmful to humans, the article seeks to dispel fears associated with venomous creatures. The inclusion of expert commentary reinforces the idea that these insects can actually be beneficial by preying on common household pests. This approach aims to foster a sense of safety and understanding among readers, particularly for those who might encounter similar creatures in their own homes.
Potential Motives Behind the Reporting
The choice to highlight the centipede's rarity and the increase in sightings could be a tactic to engage readers' curiosity and concern about biodiversity and climate change. By framing the centipede's presence as a result of environmental shifts, the article subtly raises awareness about broader ecological issues. There doesn’t seem to be any overt intention to hide significant information, but rather to inform and educate the public regarding changes in their environment.
Assessing Reliability and Manipulation
The reliability of the news appears high, given the presence of expert opinions and factual information. However, the narrative's framing could be seen as slightly manipulative, as it emphasizes the creature's rarity and the excitement of the find, which might overshadow the more mundane aspects of pest control. The language is designed to evoke intrigue rather than fear, which could lead to a skewed perception of the risks associated with such creatures.
Comparative Context
When contrasted with other news articles about wildlife or environmental changes, this piece reflects a growing trend in media to highlight the effects of climate change on local ecosystems. This aligns with a broader societal interest in environmental issues, suggesting that the article is tapping into a larger conversation about nature and urban living.
Societal Impact
The implications of this article could extend beyond mere entertainment; it could influence public interest in biodiversity and environmental stewardship. As awareness grows about the changing dynamics of local wildlife, it may encourage individuals to take more proactive approaches in understanding and managing their living environments.
Audience Engagement
The article likely appeals to environmentally conscious communities and individuals who are curious about nature. By catering to readers who appreciate wildlife and ecological narratives, it fosters a supportive atmosphere for discussions about urban wildlife.
Market Influence
In terms of economic implications, there are no direct effects on stock markets or corporate sectors highlighted in the article. However, businesses related to pest control or environmental education might benefit indirectly from increased public interest in pest management and biodiversity.
Global Context
While the news does not directly address global power dynamics, it reflects a current trend regarding climate change and its local effects. The discussion of species adaptation could resonate within broader debates about environmental policy and conservation efforts.
Role of AI in the Article
It is unlikely that artificial intelligence played a significant role in the creation of this article, as it relies heavily on personal narrative and expert commentary. However, if AI were involved, it might have influenced the structure and tone, ensuring that the piece was engaging and accessible to a wider audience.
The overall analysis indicates that while the article is informative and largely reliable, it also serves to shape public perception in a way that aligns with current environmental themes, promoting awareness and curiosity about urban wildlife.