Mediterranean Banded Centipede

Scolopendra cingulata

CentipedeintermediateVenom: Moderate

Venom note

Intense localized pain, swelling, occasional lymph node involvement. No documented fatalities in healthy adults but stings are routinely reported as severe.

About

Mediterranean Banded — the most commonly kept European Scolopendra. Distinct dark banding on a paler body. Tolerates a wider temperature range than the tropical species; happy in the low 70s. Burrows actively; provide depth and a humidity gradient. Behaves like a smaller S. heros — less imposing but the same defensive disposition.

Taxonomy

FamilyScolopendridae

GenusScolopendra

Native regionMediterranean basin (Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East)

TypeFossorial

Temperamentdefensive

Body segments21

Leg pairs21

Size & growth

Adult size4-6 inches

Body length3.94–5.91 in

Growth ratemedium

Life stagesNumbered instars

DevelopmentEpimorphic — hatches with its full segment count

Climate

Temperature70–82°F

Humidity55–75%

Enclosure

Juvenile size4x4x4"

Adult size10x8x5" with 4" substrate

SubstrateCoco fiber + topsoil, damp underneath drier surface

Substrate depth3-4 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeCrickets, roach nymphs

Juvenile cadenceTwice per week

Adult cadenceOnce per week

Times kept: 0