Galapagos Giant Centipede

Scolopendra galapagoensis

CentipedeadvancedVenom: Medically significant

Medically significant venom

One of the largest centipedes; powerful venom that subdues small vertebrates. Bites are very painful (not usually fatal). Advanced keepers only, no handling.

About

One of the largest centipedes in the world — a true giant reaching well over a foot in the wild. A powerful nocturnal predator that takes small vertebrates as well as insects, with a defensive display of raised rear legs. Needs a large, secure enclosure with deep, moisture-retaining substrate to burrow, 75-82°F, ~70-80% humidity, and a water dish. Potent venom and serious size make this an advanced, strictly hands-off species; a tight, escape-proof lid is essential.

Taxonomy

FamilyScolopendridae

GenusScolopendra

Native regionGalápagos, coastal Ecuador/Peru

TypeFossorial

Temperamentlarge, powerful, defensive

Leg pairs21

Size & growth

Adult sizeup to 12 inches

Body length7.87–11.81 in

Growth ratemedium

Life stagesNumbered instars

DevelopmentEpimorphic — hatches with its full segment count

Climate

Temperature75–82°F

Humidity70–80%

Enclosure

Adult sizesecure tight-lid tank; floor space to stretch; deep substrate

Substratemoist (not wet) coco fiber/peat for burrowing; hide; water dish

Substrate depth4-6 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizecrickets, roaches, mealworms

Adult cadence1 prey per week

Times kept: 3