Chinese Red Head Centipede

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Tropical rainforests of East and Southeast Asia. Found in moist environments under leaf litter, rotting logs, and rocks.

Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Scolopendridae, genus Scolopendra. Commonly known as the Asian Forest Centipede or Chinese Red Head.

Behavior and Habits: Extremely fast, aggressive, and active nocturnal hunter. Uses its venomous forcipules to paralyze insects and small vertebrates.

Morphology: Elongated body with dark segments, yellow-orange legs, and a bright red head. Toxic claws located under head. Identical external appearance in sexes.

Terrarium Setup: Must be kept in a heavily secured, escape-proof terrarium with a locking latch lid (minimum 45x30x30 cm). Provide 8 cm of damp peat/coco soil and bark hides.

Lighting and Heating: Keep temperatures at 24-29 °C. Use a thermostat-controlled heating cable on one side of the tank. Strictly avoid direct bright lighting.

Humidity and Hydration: High humidity (70-80%) is essential. Spray the enclosure regularly to keep soil damp. A shallow, heavy water dish should always be available.

Feeding and Supplementation: Feed gut-loaded crickets, roaches, and mealworms. Feeds actively at night. No vitamin dusting required.

Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Extremely cannibalistic; will kill and eat any other centipede housed in the same cage.

Health and Common Diseases: Highly venomous; bite causes severe pain and tissue swelling. Avoid handling entirely. Fungal growth on legs can occur if ventilation is too low.