S. polymorpha (Tiger Centipede)

Scolopendra (Giant Centipede)

 * Level: Beginner
 * Native Habitat: This species is found in the American Southwest and Mexico. Although often considered a desert species S. polymorpha can be found in an array of habitats including scrub land, pastures, and forested regions.


 * Common Names
 * American Desert Centipede
 * Tiger Centipede
 * Texas Tiger Centipede
 * Arizona Blue-Banded Centipede
 * Sonora Striped Centipede

Captive Habitats

 * Enclosure Type: Terrestrial/Fossorial; The enclosure may be as simple as a medium sized deli-cup or small plastic tupperware tub modified with air holes, a specialized pet carrier (Kritter-Keeper) or an aquarium. S. polymorpha are not strong climbers and prefer to move down instead of up.


 * Substrate: 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: Semi-dry; All centipedes should have some water access in the enclosure. The substrate should retain some moisture but not to the degree of being considerably damp.
 * Humidity: Semi-dry; Sparse misting is advisable but not required as this centipede will spend much of its time burrowing.
 * Temp: 68-86*F(20-30*C); Room Temperature is generally adequate. In its native range S. polymorpha experiences temperature extremes from well below freezing in the winter months to dry hot summers over 105*F(40*C.)

Husbandry

 * Temperment: Nervous and Aggressive (handling not advised)
 * Behavior: This can very among individuals of the species, while some may be very active and athletic, others may be more reclusive, only venturing above the substrate to eat.
 * Size: 3-6 " (8-15cm)
 * Social: No; Keeping multiple centipedes together is not recommended.
 * Life Span: 6-10 years
 * Venom: Mild
 * Feeding: Crickets, roaches, meal worms, etc (larger individuals will accept pinkies 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.