The Amazonian giant centipede (or Scolopendra gigantea) is a large, fearsome and predatory arthropod that is native to the forests of South America and the Caribbean. It is capable of catching, envenoming and killing many animals, and has learned specific techniques for catching particular prey. The centipede can reach 30cm in length and can occur in a variety of colours – typically red, yellow, brown or black – with yellow legs and dark stripes between body segments.
Latin Name
Scolopendra gigantea
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amazonian-giant-centipede
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Animal Facts
Although 'centipede' means '100 legs', they only have a pair of legs per body segment (usually 21 to 23 segments).
The Amazonian giant centipede, and all centipedes, breathe through holes on the sides of their body segments.
The bite and venom of the Amazonian giant centipede has been confirmed to be responsible for one human death.
The Amazonian giant centipede will eat any animal it can catch and kill, including tarantulas and small snakes.
Amazonian giant centipedes have been known to climb onto the top of caves and hang downwards in order to prey upon bats.