Peruvian Giant Centipede

Scolopendra gigantea

CentipedeadvancedVenom: Medically significant

Medically significant venom

MEDICALLY SIGNIFICANT. Largest centipede in the trade and one of the largest venomous arthropods on the planet. Documented severe envenomations including a fatality in a child in Venezuela. Pain is described as among the worst of any arthropod sting; cardiac, neurological, and lymphatic involvement have been reported. Antivenom is not generally available. Specialist keepers only. Research local laws and have a hospital plan BEFORE acquiring.

About

Peruvian Giant — the species at the top of the centipede trade. Easily exceeds 10 inches, can take small mammals and lizards in the wild. Husbandry mirrors S. subspinipes — deep damp substrate, broad water dish, gentle handling with long tongs — but the scale is bigger and the sting tier is the highest in this seed. Owning one is a serious commitment, not a status object. If a sting protocol and emergency contact aren't in place, this is the wrong species.

Taxonomy

FamilyScolopendridae

GenusScolopendra

Native regionNorthern South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Trinidad)

TypeFossorial

Temperamentdefensive, very fast

Size & growth

Adult size10-12 inches

Length250.00–350.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature75–85 °F

Humidity75–90%

Enclosure

Juvenile size6x6x6"

Adult size18x12x10" with 6-8" substrate

SubstrateCoco fiber + topsoil + sphagnum, kept damp throughout

Substrate depth6-8 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeAdult crickets, roaches, fuzzies / pinkie mice, occasional small lizard

Juvenile cadenceOnce per week

Adult cadenceOnce every 2-3 weeks

Times kept: 0