Tiger Centipede

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Common in the arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Lives under rocks, logs, and in soil crevices to escape the daytime heat.

Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the family Scolopendridae. The species exhibits high regional color variability (polymorphism), reflecting adaptations to different arid substrates.

Behavior and Habits: Solitary, nocturnal, and an active hunter. Uses speed and strength to capture terrestrial prey, hiding deep within the substrate during daylight hours.

Morphology: Reaches a length of 10-18 cm (4-7 inches). The segmented body features robust legs, with coloration varying from yellow-orange to brown with dark transverse bands on each segment.

Terrarium Setup: Requires a terrestrial enclosure of at least 30x30x30 cm with an absolute escape-proof lid. A deep substrate of coconut fiber and sand, furnished with cork bark and flat stones, is essential.

Lighting and Heating: Ambient daytime temperature between 24-28°C (75-82°F) with a warm spot, dropping to 20°C (68°F) at night. No UVB lighting is required as they prefer dim conditions.

Humidity and Hydration: Maintain a moderate humidity gradient around 40-50% by misting one corner of the enclosure. Provide a very shallow water dish to prevent drowning.

Feeding and Supplementation: Feed gut-loaded crickets, roaches, or mealworms once a week. Special supplementation is generally not required if prey is high-quality.

Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Housing together will inevitably lead to cannibalism. Handling is not recommended due to the animal's speed and painful venomous bite.

Health and Common Diseases: Dehydration is the primary threat in overly dry setups, while fungal infections can occur if the substrate is constantly wet. Ensure proper ventilation.