What is that?!?!

While we were at a local hardware store today to pick up a few things for building another chicken coop/run, Alex found this very strange "bug".

I'd never seen anything like it. We put it into a spray bottle we were buying out of the $0.99 bin to bring it home and identify it. Turns out it is supposed to be quite common--called a House Centipede or a Kingston Bug. Despite the hideous and threatening appearance, it is actually a beneficial critter, eating other insects that do cause damage. We're assuming this one must be on its last leg...well, one of them at least (LOL)....because they are supposed to be quite fast. We let it go outside...maybe it will benefit our upcoming veggie garden project.

Here's a link to find out more about this crazy looking bug -- Iowa State Univ: Dept of Entomology