Giant-centipede
Guides
Scolopendra
Giant Centipedes
Scolopendra is a genus of large tropical centipedes in the family Scolopendridae, containing some of the largest living centipedes. The genus was established by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and remains one of the most species-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 alternans
Haitian giant centipede, Caribbean giant centipede, Florida Keys centipede
Scolopendra alternans is a large centipede in the family Scolopendridae, historically known from the Caribbean and northern South America. Recent taxonomic revision has restricted its confirmed range after resurrection of S. longipes and S. cubensis from synonymy. The species reaches 17–19 cm in length and exhibits highly variable coloration across its range. It gained public attention after a documented fatal interaction with the rare rim rock crown snake (Tantilla oolitica) in Florida.