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Asian Forest Centipede
Scolopendra subspinipes
A massive, fiercely aggressive, and highly venomous tropical centipede that undeniably demands extreme caution, tight security, and significant prior experience to keep safely in captivity.
Class:Chilopoda
Order:Scolopendromorpha
Family:Scolopendridae
Genus:Scolopendra
Species:Scolopendra subspinipes
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
70 - 80 %
Ambient temperature
24 - 28 °C
Day temperature
27 °C
Night temperature
23 °C
Substrate depth
>= 8 cm
UVB
None
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of East and Southeast Asia. It has been introduced to many tropical areas worldwide. It inhabits humid rainforests, hiding under leaf litter, decaying logs, rocks, and occasionally human dwellings.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Classified in the class Chilopoda, order Scolopendromorpha, and family Scolopendridae. It exhibits high genetic polymorphism, resulting in several regional subspecies that display distinct adult sizes and color morphs.
Behavior and Habits: Solitary, strictly nocturnal, and highly aggressive. It is a relentless hunter that uses speed, strength, and sharp venomous claws to overpower invertebrates and small vertebrates like lizards, frogs, and mice.
Morphology: Can reach lengths of 20 to 25 cm (8-10 inches). Features a flattened, segmented body with 21 pairs of legs. The head possesses a pair of antennae and highly modified front legs called forcipules, which deliver potent venom.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A highly secure, escape-proof terrestrial terrarium of at least 50x30x30 cm is required, as they can lift heavy lids. Provide 10 cm of damp coconut fiber and peat moss substrate, decorated with cork bark flats and hollow logs.
Lighting and Heating: Maintain daytime temperatures between 24°C and 28°C (75-82°F) with a mild thermal gradient. Night temperatures can drop to 20°C (68°F). UVB lighting is not required; keep the enclosure in a dimly lit area.
Humidity and Hydration: Requires high humidity levels of 70% to 80%. Mist the substrate regularly to keep it moist but not soggy. Provide a shallow, heavy water dish to ensure access to clean water while preventing accidental drowning.
Feeding and Supplementation: Feed gut-loaded crickets, roaches, and mealworms once a week. Overfeeding must be avoided. Calcium or vitamin supplementation is unnecessary if the prey insects are fed a high-quality, nutritious diet.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Conspecific cohabitation will result in immediate, fatal combat and cannibalism. Never attempt to handle this species; the venomous bite causes extreme pain, swelling, and potential systemic complications.
Health and Common Diseases: Highly susceptible to rapid dehydration if the humidity drops too low. Fungal infections can occur if the substrate is waterlogged and ventilation is poor. Keep the enclosure clean to prevent mites from infesting the centipede.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of East and Southeast Asia. It has been introduced to many tropical areas worldwide. It inhabits humid rainforests, hiding under leaf litter, decaying logs, rocks, and occasionally human dwellings.
Origin
Selective breeding and cultivarsNorth AmericaEast AsiaCosmopolitan or introduced
Terrestrial invertebrate profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 25 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Venom level
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 25 cm. The Animal Diversity Web — Scolopendra subspinipes source reports a maximum adult measurement of 25 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). The taxonomic record consulted is Scolopendra subspinipes. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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