Tropical Centipede

Description:

This is a large species which can grow up to 8" in length, and has color variations. Its body is usually red or reddish brown with yellow or yellow-orange legs. In common with other members of genus Scolopendra, it has 21 body segments with each segment having one pair of legs attached. A pair of modified legs known as forcipules can be found on its head, which is covered by a flat shield and bears a pair of antennae. The forcipules are the major tools used by the centipede to kill its prey or for defense, as they have sharp claws that connect to venom glands. Centipedes breathe through the openings located along sides of their bodies. These openings are either round-shaped or S-shaped. They have simple eyes with poor vision, so they rely much on touch and their chemoreceptors. The species can be found in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the Old World.

Habitat:

Tropical Centipede found in our backyard, Oahu, Hawaii. These are all over the place, easily found under large rocks/stones, and often inside our house as well.

Notes:

Scolopendra subspinipes is one of only three species of centipedes in Hawaii.