Did you know that there are over 3,000 different types of centipedes on the planet today? Scientists even believe there are more than 5,000 species yet to be discovered. These treacherous arthropods are known to live in hiding places and can often be found in cool places such as under rocks, inside logs, and even buried underground. Centipedes live on all continents of the world except Antarctica. But how big the largest centipede in the world?
You may be surprised to learn that not all centipedes have hundreds of legs. Many have only 15 pairs of legs to 191 pairs, depending on the type of centipede. They also have an amazing ability to regrow new legs as they age with each molt, and can even regrow them when they are lost.
Centipedes are exceptionally carnivorous creatures that feed on small rodents, spiders, insects, and any other creature they can handle. Read on for our list of the ten largest centipedes on the planet, with number one being the largest centipede on Earth!
# 10: Giant Desert Centipede (Scolopendra Heros)
V Scolopendra heroes the centipede is the largest species in the United States. It is 6.5 to 8 inches long and has 21-23 legs. These centipedes are mostly found in arid climates such as New Mexico and Arizona, and sometimes in rocky forest areas.
Scolopendra Geros Centipedes are nocturnal creatures that use venom to lull their prey to make it easier to eat. Their diet includes small rodents, reptiles and amphibians. They have red heads, black bodies, and yellow legs. The jaw of the giant desert centipede is what sets them apart from others, as it is one of the most powerful jaws of all centipedes.
These centipedes are also known as:
- Texas centipedes
- Giant Desert Centipedes
# 9: Vietnamese Centipede (Scolopendra Subspinipes)
V Scolopendra subspinipes, also known as the Vietnamese centipede, grows to 4-10 inches in length. They come in a wide variety of patterns, but most range from dark brown to tan and have colorful yellow or orange legs.
Despite its name, Scolopendra subspinipes are not only found in Vietnam; they are also found in Japan, West Africa, Australia and even Hawaii. They mainly eat insects, spiders, scorpions and small rodents.
These centipedes, like snakes, grab their prey by wrapping their bodies around them, kicking and using their venom to subdue their prey.
# 8: Haitian Giant Centipede (Scolopendra Alternans)
V Scolopendra alternansAlso known as the Haitian Giant Centipede or the Keys Giant Centipede, is a large centipede that prefers a tropical climate. They range from brown to light brown and have pale yellow legs.
These centipedes have an eclectic diet of small rodents, amphibians, and even other centipedes. They live in areas such as Cuba, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Florida Keys, and Puerto Rico. They can grow up to 6 inches long as adults.
# 7: Chinese Red-headed Centipede (Scolopendra Subspines)
Thorny scolopendraAlso known as the Chinese red centipede, it is one of the largest centipedes in the world and also one of the most dangerous. They are usually about 8 inches long +.
These centipedes can be found throughout Asia and in regions such as Australia, Indonesia, and Central America. They eat mice, small reptiles and any other animals that they can defeat due to their aggressive nature.
These centipedes were used in ancient Chinese medicine for their medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties. Doctors placed live millipedes on rashes and sores, which were believed to speed up the healing process. In Korea, centipedes have been fried, dried and ground into powder to treat chronic pain, boils, and ulcers.
# 6: Sonoran Desert Centipede (Scolopendra Polymorpha)
Scolopendra polymorphic, or the Sonoran Desert Centipede, usually reach four to seven inches in length and have a multi-colored body. They are sometimes called tiger or tiger centipedes because of their golden color and deep black side stripes separating each of their parts. Some millipedes of the Sonoran Desert in southern California are even light blue with dark blue stripes and turquoise legs!
The Sonoran Desert Centipede is native to Arizona and prefers to settle under rocks or other shady areas during the day. In winter, they are most active in the evening. The rest of the time, they stay in the burrow to protect themselves from the heat. Their diet mainly consists of tarantulas, lizards, and other small desert animals.
Although there is very little data on the lifespan of Sonoran Desert centipedes, scientists believe they live an average of five years.
# 5: Centipede Falls (Scolopendra cataract)
Scolopendra cataract, also known as centipede waterfall, grows to 7.9 inches in length. They have a dark brown or burgundy body and legs that range in color from pale yellow to deep red. It is the only known amphibious centipede, which means it can live on land and in water.
Since these centipedes were discovered very recently, in 2001, their entire description is based on only four specimens. They are believed to only live in Southeast Asia. Their bites are venomous and, like other centipedes, they are exceptionally carnivorous.
Waterfall centipedes are hydrophobic, which means their outer coating repels water, allowing them to live more efficiently in the water. While other centipedes eagerly avoid water, Scolopendra cataract actively shelters in water to avoid predators or other threats.
# 4: Indian Tiger Centipede (Scolopendra Hardwickey)
Scolopendra hardwickeiBetter known as the Indian Ttger Centipede or the Hindu Tiger Centipede, is an arthropod known to reach about 6.3 inches in length at maturity. These centipedes are characterized by dark orange and black stripes and have dark orange heads and antennae.
The Indian tiger Ccentipedes is most commonly found in southern India and occasionally in Nicobar and Sumatra. They eat grasshoppers, snails, spiders and earthworms.
# 3: Amazonian Giant Centipede (Scolopendra Viridicornis)
As the name suggests, the giant Amazonian centipede (Scolopendra viridikornis) is most commonly found in the Amazon rainforest, especially in Brazil. They grow to just over 6 inches in length.
The diet of the Amazonian giant centipede mainly consists of small rodents, amphibians, and any other small animals. They are also known to collect trash when food supplies are limited.
Interesting fact: the venom of these millipedes has interesting medicinal properties. Scientists have found that one peptide in their venom, called lacrene, kills gram-negative bacteria, leaving human blood cells unharmed, so it can be used as an antibiotic. This poison is also used as a pain reliever in traditional Brazilian folk medicine.
# 2: Darwin’s Goliath Centipede (Scolopendra galapagoensis)
Able to grow up to 11 inches in length, Darwin’s goliath centipede (Scolopendra galapagoensis) is one of the largest centipedes on the planet. Known for their large jaws and venomous nature, they are also the most dangerous centipede in their habitat in the Galapagos Islands.
Scolopendra galapaoensis are native to the Galapagos Islands and derive their name from Charles Darwin, who first discovered the species. They feed on small animals such as birds, reptiles, snakes, and bats.
# 1: Peruvian Giant Yellow-legged Centipede (Scolopendra Gigantea)
Peruvian giant yellow-footed centipede (Giant scolopendra) is the largest centipede in the world. Incredibly, the Peruvian giant yellow-footed centipede can grow up to a foot in length and eat prey fifteen times their size! They vary in color, with most centipedes being dark brown or burgundy with yellow legs.
Peruvian giant yellow-legged centipedes are found primarily in South America and the Caribbean. They are carnivores, most of their diet consists of various animals such as reptiles, mammals, amphibians and even other centipedes. They prefer to live and hunt alone, both in the wild and in captivity.