Scolopendra subspinipes

[Rick McJimsey]

Scolopendra subspinipes Leach 1815
Common names: (enter name of localaty) giant centipede.
Range:. S.subspinipes is found all over the worlds tropics, including Hawaii, South America, Australia, and Asia.
There are several subspecies of subspinipes:
S.subspinipes de haani
S.subspinipes mutilans
S.subspinipes subspinipes
Terminal spines 0-3
S.subspinipes is one of the largest species of centipedes in the world, being able to attain lenghs of 10"! Average size adults are between 5"-7".
This species is most likely the most commonly kept species in the hobby, due to the availability and low prices.
This species, however, is NOT reccomended for beginners, due to it's speed, agressiveness, and it's serious bite.
Care of this species is farely straightforward.
Adults can be kept in large jars, or small tanks. Kritter keepers are not recoomended as S.subspinipes have been known to escape from them.
A deep substrate of 5-6" of cocofiber or similar subsrate is needed as this species tends to burrow. The subsrate should be kept moderately damp, but not wet. If kept too wet, the centipede will develope mycosis.
Temperatures should be kept between 75-80 F, and humidity should be kept at about 75%.
A water dish should always be available.
BITE: This is one of the few species of centipedes that are know to posess a serious bite. There are several bite reports on the internet, and symtoms can include: chest cramps, trouble breathing, nausea, swelling, and extreme pain in the area around the bite. Due to this, beginners are best off to stay away from this species, and handling is NOT reccomended.
A few common problems with this species include mites. Many centipedes have mites, most of the time it won't bother the centipede and the owner wont notice. But in the case of a serious case of mites, dont panic, there are a few things you can do.
First of all, get the centipede in a new enclosure with DRY substrate, be sure to have water always available!
Secondly, you can put out pre killed prey items, to lure the mites off the centipede, and remove the mite infested items.
Probably the most popular solution is to add isopods/pill bugs to the tank. The isopods eat the eggs produced by the mites, so you won't be able to notice any change until the actual mites on the centipede die and fall off.