Tanzanian Red-headed Centipede

Scolopendra morsitans

CentipedeintermediateVenom: Moderate

Venom note

Painful neurotoxic bite; aggressive and fast. No handling.

About

A widespread, adaptable centipede with a bright red head and banded reddish-brown body — an aggressive, opportunistic night hunter. Hardy across a range of conditions (75-85°F, 60-75% humidity) but, like all centipedes, loses water easily, so keep deep moist substrate to burrow plus a water dish. A fast, defensive species with a painful neurotoxic bite — escape-proof lid, no handling.

Taxonomy

FamilyScolopendridae

GenusScolopendra

Native regionAfrica, Asia (pantropical)

TypeFossorial

Temperamentaggressive, fast, nocturnal

Size & growth

Adult size4-6 inches

Length100.00–150.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature75–85 °F

Humidity60–75%

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