Centipede Caresheet

Megarian Banded Centipede
(Scolopendra cingulata)
by Jon Fouskaris

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UNSEXED ADULT
Specimen provided by Jon Fouskaris.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Megarian Banded Centipede is a truly unique centipede species! Unlike some of their tropical cousins in the genus Scolopendra, these pretty little centipedes are reputed to have mild venom. Due to their relatively diminutive size, Megarian Banded Centipedes are easier to handle than most species out on the market. Bigger is not always better, because the Megarian Banded Centipede is one of the best beginner Scolopendra species to keep in captivity! Another thing that sets Megarian Banded Centipedes apart from others is their range. The Megarian Banded Centipede is one of the few Scolopendra species found throughout southern Europe. The color intensity of these centipedes vary slightly, depending on where they are found. The specimen in the photo to the left was found in an olive field in southeastern Greece, and it has rather bright body coloration. Megarian Banded Centipedes would make the perfect starter species, unfortunately this species is a rare sight in the United States. Nevertheless, the Megarian Banded Centipede can be enjoyed by a hobbyist of any experience level for its' practical size, its' pretty appearance, and its' usual voracious Scolopendra appetite!

Range: Mountainous regions of the Mediterranean, including Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and North Africa.
Type Burrowing.
Diet Babies will eat pinhead crickets, or other small insects. Adults will consume almost any creature that is not larger that itself, including large crickets, other large insects, and small lizards.
Full Grown Size: 4 to 4.5 inches.
Growth: Medium speed.
Temperature: 75 to 90° F.
Humidity 75 to 80%.
Temperament Aggressive and active.
Housing: Babies can live in a roomy clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 2.5 to 5-gallon tank. The tank should be twice as long, and at least as wide as the individual. Floor space is as important as height. In this case, the height is not important for climbing, just to prevent escapes by the centipede running up the side of the tank.
Substrate 3 to 4 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor No decorations are really needed, but you can add rocks, or cork bark.
Other Names: Mediterranean Banded Centipede.

*Please note that ALL centipedes have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not seriously affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this centipede. Affects of this centipedes' natural defenses may vary between people. All centipedes should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!

Credit | Source: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Thanks to: Sir Tattoo and PEP9

Giant Desert Centipede
(Scolopendra heros)
by Jon Fouskaris

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UNSEXED ADULT
Specimen provided by Patti DeNucci.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Giant Desert Centipede is one of the world's largest species of centipede, not to mention, one of the prettiest. Although the venom from this centipede is not considered deadly, the Giant Desert Centipede can give a very painful bite and the venom injected could leave a person in pain from anywhere between a couple hours to a couple days! In 1931, a centipede taxonomist by the name of G. Attems listed three subspecies of Giant Desert Centipedes. These are the: Red-Headed Centipede (Scolopendra h. castaneiceps); as shown to the left, a beautiful jet black centipede with a red head and yellow legs, the Black-Tailed, also known as the Blue-Tailed Centipede (Scolopendra h. heros); a yellowish centipede with light yellow legs and a blue to navy blue tail, and lastly the Giant Arizona Desert, or Black-Headed Centipede (Scolopendra h. arizonensis); a red or orange centipede with yellow legs and a black head and tail, some with black stripes running across the tergites, parallel to the legs. The Giant Desert Centipede is a great display animal, and is a prized invertebrate in any collection.

Range: Southwest United States, and northern Mexico.
Type: Terrestrial, but will burrow to some extent.
Diet: Babies will eat pinhead crickets, or other small insects. Adults will consume almost any creature that is not larger that itself, including large crickets, cockroaches, and even fuzzy mice.
Full Grown Size: 6.5 to 8 inches.
Growth: Medium speed.
Temperature: 75 to 85° F.
Humidity 75 to 80%.
Temperament Aggressive and active.
Housing Babies can live in a roomy clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 5 to 10-gallon tank. The tank should be twice as long, and at least as wide as the individual. Floor space is as important as height. In this case, the height is not important for climbing, just to prevent escapes by the centipede running up the side of the tank.
Substrate: 2 to 4 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor: No decorations are really needed, but you can add rocks, or cork bark.
Other Names: Giant North American Centipede, and Giant Sonoran Centipede.

*Please note that ALL centipedes have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not seriously affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this centipede. Affects of this centipedes' natural defenses may vary between people. All centipedes should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!


Credit | Source: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Thanks to: Sir Tattoo and PEP9

Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede
(Scolopendra sp.)
by Jon Fouskaris
*Information provided by Frank Somma

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UNSEXED ADULT
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede is a rarely-imported sapphire treasure of the centipede world. These centipedes have exquisite coloration and the potential to get considerably large! The photo to the left doesn't do this species justice. The overall color is a greenish-blue, with a brighter blue color around the legs. This azure coloration is unique in centipedes, which adds to its' appeal. Unfortunately the scientific name past genus remains a mystery for the Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede, like many of the Scolopendra centipedes recognized by this hobby. The Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede is not a tropical species, so a nicely set-up savannah terrarium with an organic peat moss substrate will do. The only factor stopping the Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede from making a perfect display animal is its' habit of burying itself under the substrate. For viewing, you might have to dig up your centipede (this requires great skill, not to mention courage). The Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede is hardly available in the pet trade, and it is not a starter centipede. Huge, fast, and fearsome, like many of the Scolopendra centipedes, the Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede must be treated with caution.

Range: Savannah and grassland areas from Tanzania through Kenya.
Type: Burrowing.
Diet: Babies will eat pinhead crickets, or other small insects. Adults will consume almost any creature that is not larger that itself, including large crickets, cockroaches, small mice, and even fuzzy rats.
Full Grown Size: Up to 9 inches.
Growth: Medium speed.
Temperature: 75 to 80° F.
Humidity: 75 to 80%.
Temperament: Aggressive and nervous.
Housing: Babies can live in a roomy clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 10 to 15-gallon tank. The tank should be twice as long, and at least as wide as the individual. Floor space is as important as height. In this case, the height is not important for climbing, just to prevent escapes by the centipede running up the side of the tank.
Substrate: 4 to 6 inches of peat moss.
Decor: No decorations are really needed.
Other Names: Blue Leg Centipede, Blue Legged Centipede, Tanzanian Blue Legged Centipede, Tanzanian Giant Blue Leg Centipede, and Tanzanian Giant Blue Legged Centipede.

*Please note that ALL centipedes have a certain amount of venom. Although most people would not die from this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this centipede. Affects of this centipedes' natural defenses may vary between people. All centipedes should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!

Credit | Source: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Thanks to: Sir Tattoo and PEP9

Peruvian Giant Centipede
(Scolopendra sp.)
by Jon Fouskaris

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UNSEXED ADULT
Specimen provided by Jon Fouskaris.
Photo taken by Thea Fouskaris.

The Peruvian Giant Centipede may be the world's largest centipede species. These centipedes are fast and aggressive, which is normal for any Scolopendra species of centipede, but are actually supposedly one of the calmer centipede species! Peruvian Giant Centipedes won't try and escape from the tank when the cover is taken off as fast as other species would. Care still be practiced when feeding, misting, or any other activity where you have to take the cover off! Peruvian Giant Centipedes are good escape artists, so make sure the tank is tall and escape-proof. This species does not require a place to hide, therefore, you will be able to view your centipede whenever you look into the terrarium, which makes it an even better display animal! The taxonomy of this species is confusing, and the true scientific name has still not be agreed on. Also, there are different color variations found throughout the hobby. That is why the Latin name listed on this caresheet is simply Scolopendra sp. Overall, the Peruvian Giant Centipede is a very large, fast, aggressive, and eye-appealing display animal for any collection!

Range Tropical and sub-tropical forests of northern South America, Brazil, and Peru.
Type Terrestrial.
Diet Babies will eat pinhead crickets, or other small insects. Adults will consume almost any creature that is not larger that itself, including large crickets, cockroaches, small mice, and even fuzzy rats.
Full Grown Size 7.5 to 11 inches.
Growth Medium speed.
Temperature 75 to 85° F.
Humidity 78 to 82%.
Temperament Aggressive and active.
Housing Babies can live in a roomy clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 10 to 15-gallon tank. The tank should be twice as long, and at least as wide as the individual. Floor space is as important as height. In this case, the height is not important for climbing, just to prevent escapes by the centipede running up the side of the tank.
Substrate 2 to 3 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor No decorations are really needed.
Other Names Peruvian Centipede, Peruvian Giant Yellow Leg Centipede, and Peruvian Giant Orange Leg Centipede.

*Please note that ALL centipedes have a certain amount of venom. Although most people would not die from this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this centipede. Affects of this centipedes' natural defenses may vary between people. All centipedes should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!

Credit | Source: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Thanks to: Sir Tattoo and PEP9

Puerto Rican Giant Centipede
(Scolopendra sp. - possibly the true gigantea)
by Jon Fouskaris
*Information provided by Frank Somma

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UNSEXED SUB-ADULT
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

Although Scolopendra gigantea was described back in 1758, today there is much confusion between South American centipede species. The aforementioned species was noted to be the largest species of centipede on the planet, although people have doubts on even that! Since the record-holders of the centipede world are in need of thorough investigation, the next statement may one day prove to be false. The relatively new-to-the-hobby Puerto Rican Giant Centipede is most likely the true Scolopendra gigantea! Currently, Puerto Rican Giant Centipedes are rather hard-to-find and expensive in the hobby. With a bit of luck though, breeders may produce a more steady captive population. These huge, fast centipedes are definitely not for starters. They remain hidden under the substrate as long as they come out, so viewing them is hit or miss. As well as being somewhat secretive, Puerto Rican Giant Centipedes are generally jumpy and definitely aggressive! Their size is formidable, and their venom is probably medically significant. Nonetheless, the Puerto Rican Giant Centipede does have its' own special advantages. Its' coloration is as beautiful as a Puerto Rican sunset, its' menacing size can give a corrections officer the goosebumps, and its' exoskeleton is glossy enough to be used as a mirror! All in all, the Puerto Rican Giant Centipede is a unique and uncommon centipede species that should be cared for with respect and consideration.

Range Forests of Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Trinidad, Venezuela, Columbia, equatorial Brazil, and northern Chile.
Type Terrestrial, but will burrow to some extent.
Diet Babies will eat pinhead crickets, or other small insects. Adults will consume almost any creature that is not larger that itself, including large crickets, cockroaches, small mice, and even fuzzy rats.
Full Grown Size 9.5 to 12 inches.
Growth Medium speed.
Temperature 75 to 80° F.
Humidity Around 80%.
Temperament Aggressive and nervous.
Housing Babies can live in a roomy clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 10 to 15-gallon tank. The tank should be twice as long, and at least as wide as the individual. Floor space is as important as height. In this case, the height is not important for climbing, just to prevent escapes by the centipede running up the side of the tank.
Substrate 3 to 5 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor No decorations are really needed.
Other Names South American Giant Centipede.


*Please note that ALL centipedes have a certain amount of venom. Although most people would not die from this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this centipede. Affects of this centipedes' natural defenses may vary between people. All centipedes should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!

Vietnamese Centipede
(Scolopendra subspinipes)
by Jon Fouskaris
*Information provided by Frank Somma

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ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Jon Fouskaris.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Vietnamese Centipede is a large, aggressive, and medically significant centipede that is not restricted to the country of Vietnam, as its' name might suggest. In actuality, the Vietnamese Centipede is found throughout the worlds' tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Southeast Asia. There are many species being imported out of Southeast Asia, and much confusion still exists with regards to centipede taxonomy. Besides the different species found throughout Southeast Asia, there are color variations, and there's a moot claim of five subspecies of the Vietnamese Centipede! As you can start to see, centipede taxonomy is not easy. The Vietnamese Centipede is one of the less expensive centipede species in the hobby, and although it has a bad bite, it is a common first centipede in collections. This is probably because the Vietnamese Centipede is impressive, easy to obtain, and most centipedes have a bad bite anyway, so if one is planning on keeping centipedes, any one species seems as good as the other. The Vietnamese Centipede is the only species that has a human death attributed to it. The only reported fatal case was in the Philippines; the centipede bit a seven-year old girl on her head, and she lived for another 29 hours. Even though death from a bite of the Vietnamese Centipede is almost unheard of, the venom is said to cause extreme pain, therefore you want to exercise care with this centipede. Overall, the Vietnamese Centipede is a species that you won't get bored of.

Range Throughout the worlds' tropical and subtropical regions, especially Southeast Asia.
Type Terrestrial, but will burrow to some extent.
Diet Babies will eat pinhead crickets, or other small insects. Adults will consume almost any creature that is not larger that itself, including large crickets, cockroaches, flying insects, and even fuzzy mice.
Full Grown Size 7 to 8 inches.
Growth Fast speed.
Temperature 75 to 85° F.
Humidity 75 to 80%.
Temperament Aggressive and active.
Housing Babies can live in a roomy clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 5 to 10-gallon tank. The tank should be twice as long, and at least as wide as the individual. Floor space is as important as height. In this case, the height is not important for climbing, just to prevent escapes by the centipede running up the side of the tank.
Substrate 3 to 4 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor No decorations are really needed, but you can add leaf cover, or cork bark.
Other Names :Vietnam Centipede, Vietnam Giant Centipede, Giant Vietnam Centipede, Vietnamese Giant Centipede, Giant Vietnamese Centipede, Southeast Asian Centipede, Southeast Asia Giant Centipede, and Giant Southeast Asian Centipede.


*Please note that ALL centipedes have a certain amount of venom. Although most people would not die from this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this centipede. Affects of this centipedes' natural defenses may vary between people. All centipedes should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!

Credit | Source: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Thanks to: Sir Tattoo and PEP9

Super UP!!!!

meron ba yung para sa local pedes natin? ^^