Scolopendra gigantea

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Scolopendra gigantea
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Myriapoda
Class: Chilopoda
Order: Scolopendromorpha
Family: Scolopendridae
Genus: Scolopendra
Species: S. gigantea
Binomial name
Scolopendra gigantea
(Linnaeus, 1758)

Scolopendra gigantea, the Peruvian giant yellowleg centipede or Amazonian giant centipede, is the largest representative of the genus Scolopendra, regularly reaching lengths of 26 cm and can exceed 30 cm.[1] It inhabits the northern and western regions of South America and the islands of Trinidad and Jamaica. It is carnivorous, feeding on lizards, frogs, birds, mice[2], and even bats.[3] It is also known to prey on Tarantulas.[4]

Giant centipede, Trinidad
Giant centipede, Trinidad

The body consists of 21 to 23 segments which are coppery red or maroon in color, each with a pair of yellow-tinted legs; the legs are adapted for fast walking (even running).

The centipede has modified claws called forcipules which curve around its head and can deliver venom into its prey. The extremely potent venom, containing acetylcholine, histamine, and serotonin, is toxic to humans and causes severe swelling, chills, fever, and weakness. However, although bites are painful, they are unlikely to be fatal.[5]

S. gigantea is a popular pet among arthropod enthusiasts, but must be handled with protective equipment, as even a trace of the venom coming in contact with skin can cause a reaction.

Female S. gigantea centipedes exhibit parental care, guarding and tending their nests of eggs. Juveniles are very dark red or black in color, and very thin with large spherical red heads. They molt several times before reaching adult size.

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ R. M. Shelley & S. B. Kiser (2000). Neotype designation and a diagnostic account for the centipede, Scolopendra gigantea L. 1758, with an account of S. galapagoensis Bollman 1889 (Chilopoda Scolopendromorpha Scolopendridae). Tropical Zoology 13 (1): 159–170. ISSN: 0394-6975. 
  2. ^ Giant centipede eating mouse
  3. ^ J. Molinari, E. E. Gutiérrez, A. A. de Ascenção, J. M. Nassar, A. Arends & R. J. Márquez (2005). Predation by giant centipedes, Scolopendra gigantea, on three species of bats in a Venezuelan cave. Caribbean Journal of Science 41 (2): 340–346. 
  4. ^ Giant Centipede VS Tarantula
  5. ^ Bush SP, King BO, Norris RL, Stockwell SA (2001). "Centipede envenomation". Wilderness & environmental medicine 12 (2): 93–9. PMID 11434497. 

[edit] External links