Adult : Reddish-brown, long slender body, many legs, rapid movement, about 25mm long.

Adult life span upto 6 years. Eggs are laid during the warm months in soil and are protected by the adults. A few species give birth to live young.

The first pair of legs is modified into poisonous jaws - located below the mouth - to kill insects. The antennae are longer than those of millipedes. Commonly encountered in damp areas, where they feed on live insects and other small animals. If stepped on or molested, they can bite, causing pain and swelling.