Scientific name: Scolopendra subspinipes Family: Scolopendridae Order: Chilopoda Risk level: High Category: Crawling pests
? What is a giant centipede
The giant centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes) is one of the largest centipedes on Earth, reaching up to 30 cm. It lives in tropical and subtropical regions. Its bite is much more severe than that of the European species, and rare fatalities in children have been recorded.
Giant centipede life cycle
The life cycle varies: woodlice reproduce through eggs in a brood pouch, while mollusks lay eggs in damp soil.
Where giant centipedes occur
They occur worldwide in damp environments and are found in humid and agricultural areas of the Gulf, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Damage and risks associated with giant centipedes
Its bite causes severe pain, marked swelling, fever, nausea and cardiac reactions in severe cases. Rare deaths in young children have been documented.
Signs of giant centipedes
Signs include the animals themselves in damp, dark places, plant damage and slimy secretions (from slugs).
Where giant centipedes are found
They occur in warm, humid tropical regions: under large stones, in deep moist soil, and inside warehouses and containers imported from tropical regions.
Giant centipede control methods
Reducing humidity is the most important step. Remove firewood and accumulated organic matter. Use metaldehyde baits for slugs and diatomaceous earth for prevention.
Giant centipede control products
Use metaldehyde for snails and slugs, environmentally safe iron phosphate, and diatomaceous earth for isolation.
Food-facility control requirements
FSSC/BRCGS: woodlice and mollusks indicate unacceptable moisture conditions and must be included in pest-control plans.
A fact about giant centipedes
S. subspinipes can catch bats in flight. Sightings have been documented of this centipede hanging from cave ceilings and catching passing bats, making it the only documented predator that regularly hunts bats without wings.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Are giant centipedes dangerous?
A: Their risk level is high. Their presence in a facility indicates a moisture problem. Addressing the moisture source is more important than treating them directly.
Q: What does a moisture indicator mean?
A: The presence of these organisms indicates high humidity or a drainage problem in the facility. Addressing the moisture will reduce their presence automatically.
