Want a Centipede?!?

C_Strike · #1 (**permalink**) 09-06-2008, 10:02 PM

Centipedes include some of the biggest arthropods on earth.
Scolopendra gigantea is the accepted biggest species recorded.
there are over 3000 species in five orders and twenty three families.

The body is segmented into two sections, the head and the trunk. The head contains a mouth eyes and two antennae.
The first segments of the trunk are the maxillipeds which although look part of the head, are actually jsut behind. These are the 'Fangs'
The rest of the segments have one pair of legs each.

Centipedes come in many many colours, blue, red, orange, black, green.

Many species in the hobby are unknown to science, and will be called only Scolopendra sp. bare in mind the potential for unidentified species to have powerful venom too.

The order scolopendramorphae contains approx 700 species, including all the most common in the trade.
Scolopendramorphs have fortysix legs and usually 4 eyes in the occular arrangement, though they dont see well at all and rely on their attenae for moving

Scolopendra sp are found primarily in the tropics and extend into the warmer temperate regions. S subspinipes have increased their range by human shipping. originating from Asia, they are now common hrough all the tropics, in varied forms.

The simplicity of the design ensures its very uncommon to have issues whilst the centipede is molting. If a problem does happen, they are able to autotomise the appendage and regenerate the limb on the next molt.

Centipedes exoskeleton does not hold moisture well, and they require more watch over the humidity levels in the enclsosure.

Enclosures are the most important thing about looking after invertebrates. An improper enclosure can kill your pede.
Though it can be very simple such as a jamjar with a secure lid. I would also recommend ensuring that you can see in the tub before having to open it. They do not require a cage as wide as their length. they will burrow alot of the time so supply a deep substrate. Though if supplied an addequate enclosure they will make much better display animals and will frequent the surface rather than under.
Its imperative to ensure the humidity is present even the biggest of centipedes will dessicate withn only a few days in dry conditions. Do not soak the substrate thogu, excessively damp conditions will not help and will be as detrimental to the pede as dry. though a water dish is not neccessary, it will use the dish if thirsty.
Substrate can be a simple coco mulch or any typical nvert substrate.

Suprisingly for their size they do not feed on larrge prey, they will much prefer to eat something they can overpower easily, its also wise to feed small as centipedes can have periods where they are uninterested in the food, and wilignore it.. even when the food is EATING the pede, its important to ensure all circkets are removed if not eaten by the pede.
As ever, a varied diet can help improve health and growth issues.

As centipedes become more popular more species are becoming availabe.

There is tens of different vairations to the Scolopendra subspinipes group. from China to US, although taxonomically similair their appearance is strikingly different. Some instances, not only the colour is different, but the pede is bigger or more aggressive than usual. Centtiped classification is poorly udnerstood, with not taxonomic features to distiguish different species.. People dont even know how to sex them!

Il update with pics and correct and add to over the next day.. im off out now... hope it helps...

if its good, i recopn we need a pede sticky

Becky · #2 (**permalink**) 09-06-2008, 10:08 PM