Scolopendra sp. “Jewel”

This giant species is considered to reach sizes up to 30cm which is a lot bigger than it sounds. A full grown S.suspinipes/dehanni is a true monster and are considered second in size to the largest known species from South America. Though suitable only for experienced centipede keepers this species is pretty easy to keep. Wild caught females always come in gravid and it is common for specimens to produce a clutch of eggs the following year after purchase. When the pedelings leave the mother they are around 5cm long are require a humid environment as they are prone to de-hydration.

Scolopendra suspinipes/dehanni is widespread throughout Asia with specimens from different locations varying greatly in appearance. Specimens from certain areas are recognised as separate subspecies and there are also many unrecognised sub species or forms entering into the hobby. Until the classification of Asian Scolopendra is revised it important to know the area where your specimens originated from and try to keep each distinct form separate by not breeding different forms/areas together. Only time will tell if some of these sub species will eventually be re-classified and given full species status.