The numbers
Enclosure
45 × 45 × 45 cm
Diet
Large roaches, rodents (occasional) · Every 7–14 days
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
70–85%
Identity
Order / Family
Scolopendromorpha
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; no CITES listing
Difficulty
Advanced (experts only)
Commonality
Rare, expensive import in SEA
Adult size
26–30+ cm (world's largest)
Lifespan
7–10 yrs
Growth rate
Moderate–fast
Activity & niche
Nocturnal terrestrial predator; climbs to catch bats
Temperament
Very defensive, powerful
Venom / defense
Venomous, painful bite – experts only, no handling
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
70–85%
Min. enclosure
45x45x45 cm, very secure lid
Substrate
12–15 cm moist coco/peat
Hides / decor / water
Large cork hide, water dish
Diet
Staple food
Large roaches, rodents (occasional)
Feeding frequency
Every 7–14 days
Supplements
None; gut-load prey
Behaviour and handling
Handling
None – experts only; large, medically significant venom
Communal
No – solitary
Defense / stress signs
Rearing, striking, rapid flight
Reproduction
Reproduction
Maternal egg-guarding
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsDehydration, molt failure
Red flags / quarantine
SignsQuarantine imports; handle only with tools
Good to know
- Documented hanging from cave ceilings to snatch flying bats.
Others in this group
Giant African MillipedeArchispirostreptus gigasThai/Vietnamese Giant Centipede (Yellow-leg / Cherry)Scolopendra dehaaniVietnamese / Asian Giant CentipedeScolopendra subspinipesVietnam Giant MillipedeVietnam Giant millipedeTanzanian Red-headed / Tiger CentipedeScolopendra morsitansBumblebee MillipedeAnadenobolus monilicornisVietnamese Rainbow MillipedeTonkinbolus dollfusiRusty / Scarlet Asian MillipedeTrigoniulus corallinus