Hobbies And Interests
Geography
Native to tropical and subtropical forests, the Scolopendra gigantean is found in northern and western South America and on the islands of Jamaica and Trinidad. The animal prefers to live on the underside of rocks, soil, leaf litter and rotten wood habitats.
Size and Legs
The Scolopendra gigantea is the largest centipede of the genus Scolopendra. It reaches on average a length of 26 cm, although some have grown more than 30 cm long. It has between 21 and 23 body segments, and a pair of legs is attached to each. Its rear legs are spiny to protect against predators attacking from behind. Its front legs have adapted to a pair of fangs.
Diet
The centipede is a carnivore. It is a predatory hunter, using poisonous venom to kill its prey. It eats small invertebrates, including crickets, snails, roaches and worms. It is one of a few species of centipede that can eat larger prey, such as lizards, snakes, mice, toads and bats. It clings to larger prey with its legs and then bites into it, releasing the fatal venom. The centipede is very quick, which makes it a successful hunter.
Behavior
The female of the species will lay eggs and protect them until they hatch. Once they hatch, she will help look for food for her young until they can hunt successfully themselves. It is difficult to recognize which centipedes are male or female, as males don't have outside organs to mate with a female. Instead, he will spin a small silk pad and deposit his sperm on it. The female will pick it up and lay her eggs.
Relationship With Humans
The relationship between humans and the Scolopendra gigantea is mixed. The centipede's venom is toxic to humans, as it has acetylcholine, serotonin and histamine. It can cause severe swelling, fever and chills to a human. Despite this, humans do keep them as pets. They are also useful to farmers as they keep the pest population down by eating them.