Red-headed Centipede (Scolopendra heros castaneiceps) This centipede died from what appears to be some sort of impaction problem. The information below has not been changed. I recieved this beautiful centipede from Arachnocentric on 08/04/00. Quick stats: Name: Red-headed Centipede Species: Scolopendra heros castaneiceps Sex: ?? Size (approx): 4" length Enclosure: Rectangular pet-pal Substrate: 1½" deep pottings oil Furnishings: Cork slab, water dish Recieved From: Arachnocentric on 08/04/2000 The s. heros castaneiceps's photo album Species Information: This is one of the more popular and one of the most attractive species of giant centipede kept in captivity. They are native to the extreme southern US and Mexico. There are actually 3 subspecies of Scolopendra heros; this is the colorful castaneiceps variety. They are a desert species, but like all centipedes, they hide in cracks, under rocks, etc, and need moisture.

Still got some growing to do..

Feeding: If it lives up to its reputation, it should be an eating machine. It's only eaten a few crickets so far though.

Housing: Right now, I've got it in a medium sized pet-pal with a slab of cork bark to crawl under and a water dish. It doesn't seem to be very at home yet, but will occasionally burrow under the dirt or hide under the cork. I try to keep the humidity up around 75%.

Temperment: Centipedes are voracious predators and can inflict a painful bite. They're generally aggressive and prone to escape. I'm watching my fingers when I work in the cage, but so far, so good.

Molting: Note: It molted sometime around 7/15/2000 have no idea exactly when this occured, this is my best guess. The centipede ate the skin, but I know it molted because a few legs that were missing are regenerated, and it got its appetite back eventually. It may have molted a few other times without my knowledge for all I know.

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