Brazilian Giant Centipede

Scolopendra viridicornis

CentipedeadvancedVenom: Medically significant

Medically significant venom

A large Amazonian giant with potent venom used to subdue small vertebrates (rodents, frogs, lizards); bites are intensely painful. Advanced keepers only, no handling.

About

A large Amazonian giant centipede, dark-bodied with contrasting greenish antennae — a powerful nocturnal hunter that takes not just insects but small vertebrates like rodents, frogs, and lizards on its potent venom. Give it a large, escape-proof enclosure with deep, moisture-retaining substrate to burrow, warm tropical conditions (75-84°F, 70-85% humidity), a hide, and a water dish; keep the substrate moist but never waterlogged. Its size, speed, and venom make this a strictly advanced, look-don't-touch species — a tight-fitting lid is non-negotiable.

Taxonomy

FamilyScolopendridae

GenusScolopendra

Native regionAmazon Basin (Brazil, N. South America)

TypeFossorial

Temperamentlarge, powerful, defensive; active hunter

Leg pairs21

Size & growth

Adult size8-10 inches

Body length6.69–10.24 in

Growth ratemedium

Life stagesNumbered instars

DevelopmentEpimorphic — hatches with its full segment count

Climate

Temperature75–84°F

Humidity70–85%

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: 0