Texas Redhead

Scolopendra heros

CentipedeintermediateVenom: Moderate

Venom note

Larger than S. polymorpha and stings to match. Intense pain lasting hours, often days; significant swelling, occasional necrosis at the bite site. No fatalities in healthy adults, but allergic reactions documented. Treat as a serious sting risk regardless of legal availability.

About

Texas Redhead — large, colorful, and a US-native species that brings excellent display. Vivid red-orange head and tail with a black or olive body and yellow legs (color varies regionally). Burrows deep; provide packable substrate and a humidity gradient. Step up from S. polymorpha in size and sting severity but otherwise similar care. Wild-caught specimens are common; captive-bred is rare.

Taxonomy

FamilyScolopendridae

GenusScolopendra

Native regionSouthern US (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana), northern Mexico

TypeFossorial

Temperamentdefensive

Size & growth

Adult size6-8 inches

Length150.00–230.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature72–85 °F

Humidity55–75%

Enclosure

Juvenile size5x5x4"

Adult size14x10x6" with 5" substrate",

SubstrateCoco fiber + topsoil, damp underneath drier surface

Substrate depth4-6 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeAdult crickets, roaches, pinkie mice for large adults

Juvenile cadenceTwice per week

Adult cadenceOnce every 1-2 weeks

Times kept: 0