![Weaver sawfly Weaver sawfly](/images_system/snargl_thumbnail.webp)
Scolopendra
What is the animal Scolopendra known for?
They are known for their venomous bite, which they use to capture prey and defend themselves.
Some of the characteristics and facts about Scolopendra are:
All Scolopendra species have a flat and elongated body with multiple legs.
The number of legs varies from 21 to 23 pairs, depending on the species.They have a pair of antennae and a pair of forcipules, which are modified legs that act as venomous fangs.
The forcipules are located near the head and can inject venom into the victim.Scolopendra species are active predators that feed mainly on insects and other invertebrates, but some larger species can also prey on frogs, tarantulas, lizards, birds, snakes, rodents, and even bats.
They are mostly nocturnal and hide under rocks, logs, leaf litter, or soil during the day.
They prefer warm and humid habitats, and are found across the world's tropics and warmer temperate areas.Some species can grow up to 40 cm in length, making them the largest living centipedes in the world.
The largest species are Scolopendra gigantea from South America and Scolopendra dehaani from Asia.They can swim or walk underwater, as some species are amphibious.
These include Scolopendra cataracta and Scolopendra paradoxa from Southeast Asia, and Scolopendra alcyona from the Ryukyu Islands.Their venom contains compounds such as serotonin, phospholipase, cardiotoxin, and cytolysin, which can cause intense and long-lasting pain, swelling, inflammation, necrosis, and allergic reactions.
The venom of most species is not medically significant, but bites from some species can be fatal.
However, they are also dangerous and should be avoided or handled with caution.
What does the Scolopendra look like?
The Scolopendra is a genus of large tropical centipedes that belong to the family Scolopendridae.
They have many legs (21 or 23 segments) and a pair of forcipules (modified legs) that can inject venom into their prey.
They are usually brownish or reddish in color, with some species having yellow or orange legs.
They can grow up to 30 cm in length and are the largest living centipedes in the world.
They are carnivorous and hunt for other animals, such as insects, spiders, frogs, lizards, birds, mice and even bats.
They live in dark and moist places, such as under rocks or in leaf litter, in tropical or sub-tropical regions.
They are venomous and can cause pain, swelling and sometimes death to humans if bitten.