Scolopendra subspinipes
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| Scolopendra subspinipes Leach, 1815 [1] |
Scolopendra subspinipes is a species of centipede occasionally reaching 19 cm in length. This is large for a centipede, but there are several larger species. It is found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is dark in color and has 21 body segments. It has one pair of legs per segment, a characteristic of centipedes. It is often sold as a terrarium animal and called Vietnamese Centipede.
[edit] Life cycle
The female protects her eggs until they hatch. The centipedes molt once each year, and take three to four years to attain full adult size. They may live for 10 years or more.
[edit] Feeding and venom
This centipede is a predator. It feeds on arthropods and other smaller invertebrates. It generally feeds by grasping its prey with a pair of legs and injecting a venom with its fangs. It can then feed off the immobilized or dead prey. The venom of Scolopendra subspinipes can cause pain and serious swelling in humans.
[edit] References
- ^ Australian Faunal Directory. Scolopendra subspinipes Leach, 1815. Department of the Environment and Water Resources.
