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Florida Keys Giant Centipede
Scolopendra alternans
CentipedeintermediateVenom: Moderate
Venom note
Severe localized pain, often with swelling that spreads up the affected limb. Recovered within 24-48 hours in healthy adults; allergic and cardiovascular complications reported.
About
Florida Keys Giant — humid-loving Scolopendra with dark body and contrasting red-orange legs. Slightly higher humidity requirement than S. heros or S. polymorpha — keep substrate consistently damp. Care otherwise mirrors the other large Scolopendra: deep substrate, water dish, tongs always.
Taxonomy
FamilyScolopendridae
GenusScolopendra
Native regionFlorida Keys, Caribbean, Central America
TypeFossorial
Temperamentdefensive, fast
Size & growth
Adult size6-8 inches
Length150.00–200.00 mm
Growth ratemedium
Climate
Temperature75–85 °F
Humidity70–85%
Enclosure
Juvenile size5x5x4"
Adult size12x8x6" with 4-5" substrate
SubstrateCoco fiber + topsoil, kept damp throughout
Substrate depth4-5 inches
Water dishRequired
Feeding
Feeding modePredator (live prey)
Prey sizeCrickets, roaches, occasional pinkie
Juvenile cadenceTwice per week
Adult cadenceOnce every 1-2 weeks
Times kept: 0