Indian Tiger Centipede

Scolopendra hardwickei

CentipedeintermediateVenom: Moderate

Venom note

Bite causes pain and swelling, with drowsiness reported. Fast and defensive — no handling.

About

A stunning tiger-banded centipede in alternating deep orange and black — one of the most sought-after Scolopendra. A fast, active hunter that wants a moist (not wet) deep substrate to burrow, room warmth (72-80°F), and ~70-80% humidity with a water dish. Feed an appropriately sized cricket or roach weekly. Venom is no joke (pain, swelling, reported drowsiness) and it's quick and defensive, so this is a look-don't-touch species with a tight-fitting, escape-proof lid.

Taxonomy

FamilyScolopendridae

GenusScolopendra

Native regionIndia, Southeast Asia

TypeFossorial

Temperamentfast, defensive; active hunter

Leg pairs21

Size & growth

Adult size6-9 inches

Body length5.91–9.06 in

Growth ratemedium

Life stagesNumbered instars

DevelopmentEpimorphic — hatches with its full segment count

Climate

Temperature72–80°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: 0