Scolopendra

Linnaeus, 1758

Giant Centipedes

Species Guides

Scolopendra alternans(Haitian giant centipede)
Scolopendra heros(Giant Desert Centipede)
Scolopendra polymorpha(Common Desert Centipede)
Scolopendra viridis(Florida Blue Centipede)

Scolopendra is a of large tropical centipedes in the Scolopendridae, containing some of the largest living . The genus was established by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and remains one of the most -rich genera in the order Scolopendromorpha. Members are characterized by their substantial size, with the largest species exceeding 30 cm in length, and their potent venom delivered through modified forcipules. The genus exhibits considerable variation in coloration and size across its constituent species.

Scolopendra viridis by (c) Kai Squires, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kai Squires. Used under a CC-BY license.

Scolopendra heros by (c) gilaman, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Scolopendra polymorpha by (c) Evrytte Carlson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Evrytte Carlson. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scolopendra: /ˌskoʊ.ləˈpɛn.drə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Distribution

Scolopendra occur across tropical and warmer temperate regions worldwide. Specific documented ranges include: Scolopendra longipes from the Dry Tortugas through the Florida Keys into mainland Florida (Collier and Dade counties) and the Bahamas; Scolopendra cubensis to Cuba; Scolopendra heros in the south-central United States including Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas; and Scolopendra canidens restricted to Egypt's northwest coast. The broader Scolopendra alternans species-group extends from southern Florida through the Caribbean into northern South America.

Behavior

Scolopendra are active . Larger specimens have been observed preying on frogs, tarantulas, lizards, birds, snakes, rodents, and bats. Three species—S. cataracta, S. paradoxa (Southeast Asia), and S. alcyona (Ryukyu Islands)—are amphibious and can travel underwater by swimming or .

Human Relevance

Scolopendra bites can deliver painful envenomation through forcipules, which are modified legs rather than mouthparts. Bites from large Asian/Pacific such as S. subspinipes and S. dehaani have caused one reported fatality; a 2014 fatality from S. gigantea was also reported. Venom contains serotonin, haemolytic phospholipase, cardiotoxic protein, and cytolysin. Clinical cases document severe acute neurological and articular manifestations, with venom acting as an allergic and autoimmune trigger in susceptible individuals.