Chinese Red-Headed Centipede

Scolopendra subspinipes

CentipedeadvancedVenom: Medically significant

Medically significant venom

MEDICALLY SIGNIFICANT. Documented severe envenomations including hospitalizations; at least one fatality recorded in a small child. Pain is excruciating, swelling can be extensive, and systemic effects (cardiac, neurological) have been reported. Antivenom is not generally available. Taxonomy is a species complex — many imports labeled S. subspinipes are actually S. dehaani or other relatives. Treat ALL specimens with maximum caution.

About

Chinese Red-Headed Centipede — the medically-significant Scolopendra most commonly seen in the trade. Vivid red head and tail with a black or dark green body. Care identical to S. dehaani (humid, deep substrate, water dish) but the sting tier is materially higher — keepers should have a sting protocol and emergency contact in place BEFORE acquiring. Not for first-time invertebrate keepers regardless of prior tarantula experience.

Taxonomy

FamilyScolopendridae

GenusScolopendra

Native regionPantropical Asia, Caribbean, Pacific (taxonomically a species complex)

TypeFossorial

Temperamentdefensive, very fast

Size & growth

Adult size7-8 inches

Length180.00–220.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature75–85 °F

Humidity75–90%

Enclosure

Juvenile size5x5x5"

Adult size14x10x8" with 5-6" substrate

SubstrateCoco fiber + topsoil + sphagnum, kept damp throughout

Substrate depth5-6 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeCrickets, roaches, pinkie mice for large adults

Juvenile cadenceTwice per week

Adult cadenceOnce every 1-2 weeks

Times kept: 0