The numbers
Enclosure
20 × 20 × 20 cm
Diet
Crickets, roaches · Every 7–10 days
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
50–65% (drier species, one moist corner)
Identity
Order / Family
Scolopendromorpha
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; no CITES listing
Difficulty
Intermediate–Advanced
Commonality
Common in Western hobby; imported to SEA
Adult size
10–15 cm
Lifespan
5–7 yrs
Growth rate
Moderate
Activity & niche
Nocturnal terrestrial burrower
Temperament
Skittish, defensive
Venom / defense
Venomous, painful bite – experts only, no handling
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
50–65% (drier species, one moist corner)
Min. enclosure
20x20x20 cm secure lid
Substrate
7–10 cm coco/sand mix, mostly dry
Hides / decor / water
Bark/rock hide, water dish
Diet
Staple food
Crickets, roaches
Feeding frequency
Every 7–10 days
Supplements
None; gut-load prey
Behaviour and handling
Handling
None – experts only; venomous
Communal
No – solitary
Defense / stress signs
Burrowing away, coiling, striking
Reproduction
Reproduction
Maternal egg-guarding
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsOver-humidity/mould if kept too wet
Red flags / quarantine
SignsQuarantine imports for mites
Good to know
- 'Polymorpha' = many forms; color varies hugely by locality.
Others in this group
Giant African MillipedeArchispirostreptus gigasThai/Vietnamese Giant Centipede (Yellow-leg / Cherry)Scolopendra dehaaniVietnamese / Asian Giant CentipedeScolopendra subspinipesVietnam Giant MillipedeVietnam Giant millipedeAmazonian Giant CentipedeScolopendra giganteaTanzanian Red-headed / Tiger CentipedeScolopendra morsitansBumblebee MillipedeAnadenobolus monilicornisVietnamese Rainbow MillipedeTonkinbolus dollfusi