Description
Scolopendra hainanum – The Chinese Giant Tiger Leg Centipede
Bold, dramatic, and unmistakably tiger-striped — Scolopendra hainanum, the Chinese Giant Tiger Leg Centipede, is one of the most visually distinctive giant centipede species available in the hobby. This impressive Asian giant from China displays a deep dark body dramatically contrasted by vivid orange-and-black banded legs and antennae — a striking tiger-stripe pattern that runs the full length of this formidable animal. Size, speed, and stunning coloration in one extraordinary package.
Why Choose Scolopendra hainanum?
- Striking Tiger Leg Pattern: Vivid orange-and-black banded legs and antennae against a deep dark body — a bold, high-contrast tiger-stripe pattern that is instantly recognizable and unlike most centipede species in the hobby
- Impressive Giant Size: Adults reach 6–8" in length — a true giant that commands presence in any display enclosure
- Full-Body Pattern: The orange-and-black banding extends through the antennae as well as the legs, creating a cohesive, dramatic pattern from head to tail
- Active & Observable: A bold, alert predator — its vivid tiger-banded legs make every movement a visual spectacle
- Highly Collectible: A sought-after Chinese giant prized by advanced centipede keepers for its combination of impressive size and striking coloration
Natural History
Native to Hainan Island and surrounding regions of southern China, Scolopendra hainanum inhabits humid tropical and subtropical forest environments where it shelters under bark, rocks, and leaf litter. As a true giant reaching 6–8", this species is an apex invertebrate predator in its native ecosystem — capable of subduing large insects and other prey with its powerful forcipules and fast-acting venom. Its distinctive orange-and-black banded legs and antennae serve as a striking aposematic warning signal, advertising its potency to anything that might consider it prey.
Venom Potency & Temperament
⚠️ Highly Venomous Species: Scolopendra hainanum is a large, venomous centipede capable of delivering an extremely painful and medically significant bite. Envenomation can cause intense localized pain, severe swelling, nausea, fever, and in rare cases more serious systemic symptoms requiring medical attention. This species is extremely fast, highly defensive when disturbed, and should never be handled under any circumstances. Bites require immediate medical attention.
Care Requirements
- Enclosure: Large, secure escape-proof enclosure with a tight-fitting locking lid; provide cork bark, leaf litter, and deep hides for shelter
- Substrate: 4–5 inches of moist coco fiber or topsoil mix; maintain a moisture gradient
- Temperature: 75–84°F; consistent tropical warmth is essential for this southern Chinese species
- Humidity: 75–85%; keep substrate moderately moist with good ventilation
- Diet: Large crickets, roaches, superworms, or other appropriately sized prey; feed weekly to bi-weekly — this species has a powerful feeding response
- Temperament: Extremely fast, highly defensive, and dangerously venomous — for experienced invertebrate keepers only. Never handle.
⚠️ Advanced Species Only: Due to potent venom, large size, extreme speed, and defensive nature, this species is recommended exclusively for experienced invertebrate keepers. Always use extra-long tongs and exercise extreme caution during all enclosure maintenance.
✅ Live Arrival Guarantee: All specimens ship with our industry-leading live arrival guarantee. Your satisfaction and the health of your new invertebrate are our top priorities.
