S. gigantea (Amazonian Giant Centipede)

Scolopendra (Giant Centipede)

 * Level: Intermediate- Expert
 * Native Habitat: It can be found in various places of South America and the Caribbean, this species is an active predator and may cover acres of tropical rain forest in a single nights hunt.


 * Common Names
 * Giant Centipede
 * Peruvian Giant Centipede
 * Amazonian Giant Centipede
 * Giant Yellow Leg Centipede
 * Giant Orange Leg Centipede

Captive Habitats

 * Enclosure Type: Terrestrial/Semi-arboreal; Babies can live in a roomy clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 15 to 20-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. This species will readily climb both fake and real plants, rock structures, and sticks provided for it.


 * Substrate: 2-4 " (5-10cm) of natural soil (treated for parasites,) potting soil, and coconut coir are all usable substrate. Sand, small stones, leaf litter and twigs can be mixed with the substrate to create a more natural environment.  Providing enough substrate to burrow into is essential, a top layer of leaf litter, moss or natural bark and twigs offer additional cover and help to retain moisture.
 * Conditions: Moist; All centipedes should have some water access in the enclosure. The substrate should retain some moisture but not to the degree of being considerably soggy or swampy.
 * Humidity: 75-85% periodic misting will aid in preventing desiccation.
 * Temp: 68-86*F(20-30*C); Slightly above room temperature, heating pads are preferable to heat lamps for most inverebrates.

Husbandry Edit

 * Temperment: Nervous and Aggressive (handling not advised) the bite of this species can be very painful, certain people may need to seek medical help if bitten.
 * Behavior: This species is considered one of the most active hobby centipedes, unlike most it will actively climb as well as burrow. S. gigantea is also potentially the most aggressive of the giant centipede and will attempt to escape captivity if given the option. It is a good practice to distract them with food before leaving the enclosure open for more than a short period. Use forceps to manipulate or distract them should they attempt escape, never your hands.
 * Size: 7.5-12 " (19-30cm)
 * Social: No; Keeping multiple centipedes together is not recommended.
 * Life Span: 8-15 years
 * Venom: Potentially severe
 * Feeding: Crickets, roaches, meal worms, etc (larger individuals will accept pinkies and fuzzies if you have the stomach for it, feeding on vertebrates tends to be a messy affair.)
 * Cleaning: The enclosure should be regularly cleared of waste material from feeding to prevent molding, but changing the substrate should be limited to avoid undo stress on the centipede.