Yellow-Legged Centipede

Ethmostigmus trigonopodus

CentipedebeginnerVenom: Mild

Venom note

Sting comparable to a bee or wasp — intense localized pain for several hours, no systemic effects reported in healthy adults. Use tongs; defensive when uncovered.

About

Yellow-Legged Centipede — colorful, hardy, and one of the most beginner-friendly centipedes. Striking yellow legs against a dark green-blue body. Spends most of its time in a burrow; provide deep damp substrate and expect to rarely see it during the day. Sting is mild but defensive — never handle. Established captive-bred stock is uncommon; most imports are wild-caught.

Taxonomy

FamilyScolopendridae

GenusEthmostigmus

Native regionSub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar

TypeFossorial

Temperamentdefensive, fast

Size & growth

Adult size5-7 inches

Length130.00–180.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature75–85 °F

Humidity70–85%

Enclosure

Juvenile size5x5x5"

Adult size12x8x6" with 4" substrate

SubstrateCoco fiber + topsoil, kept damp

Substrate depth4-5 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeCrickets, roaches, occasional pinkie for adults

Juvenile cadenceTwice per week

Adult cadenceOnce every 1-2 weeks

Times kept: 0