Bug experts... what the heck is this?

Question

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/5800/dsc04808as5.jpg

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/9946/dsc04816xw1.jpg

I've seen some of these bugs around my house (mainly basement). What are they called and are they dangerous? Those fur-things look pretty scary. And I think I saw two of them attacking each other (those quills have a kinda repelling action on each other.. meaning poisonous or sharp?). Anyway, any info is appreciated.

Answer 1

It's a house centipede, Scutigera coleoptera. Completely harmless and actually beneficial in that it preys on small insects. Usually found in bathrooms, basements, etc. that are damp. Please see link below for great info. & pics.

They weren't attacking each other, they were probably breeding. The "quills" are actually their very fragile legs.

Hope this helps. :)

Answer 2

It's a silver fish, not dangerous, but annoying. They like wet places, sometimes find them in sinks, tubs, coming up from the drains, VERY fast too, hard to kill.  They like dirt basements.

Answer 3

It is not a silver fish, it is a house centipede.  Its front legs can pierce the skin and inject a mild toxin but it is said to be less painful than a bee sting.

Answer 4

Centipede! Look it up in Wiki...

Answer 5

They are house centipedes