Description
Scolopendra sp. Guizhou – The Guizhou Tiger Centipede
Few invertebrates in the hobby can match the sheer visual drama of Scolopendra sp. Guizhou, the Guizhou Tiger Centipede. This extraordinary undescribed Chinese species is a living work of art — a rich golden body boldly banded with black tiger stripes, a striking crimson-red head and antennae, and brilliant yellow legs tipped in black. Every element of this animal’s coloration is a statement. A true collector’s centerpiece and one of the most visually complex centipede species available anywhere in the hobby.
Why Choose Scolopendra sp. Guizhou?
- Extraordinary Multicolor Pattern: Golden body with black tiger stripes, vivid red head and antennae, and bright yellow legs with black tips — a color combination of unmatched complexity and visual impact
- Undescribed Species: As an undescribed sp. from Guizhou Province, China, this is a scientifically intriguing specimen that adds genuine novelty and rarity to any collection
- Impressive Size: A robust, well-built species with a commanding presence in any display enclosure
- Active & Observable: A bold, alert predator that is highly engaging to observe — its vivid coloration makes every movement a spectacle
- Exceptionally Rare: Extremely limited availability outside of China — a genuine once-in-a-collection opportunity for serious invertebrate keepers
Natural History
Native to Guizhou Province in southern China, Scolopendra sp. Guizhou inhabits humid subtropical forest environments where it shelters under bark, rocks, and leaf litter. This undescribed species is currently awaiting formal scientific classification, adding an extra layer of intrigue for collectors who appreciate the frontier of invertebrate taxonomy. Its spectacular multicolor patterning — gold, black, red, and yellow — serves as a powerful aposematic warning signal, advertising its potent venom to would-be predators and curious keepers alike.
Venom Potency & Temperament
⚠️ Highly Venomous Species: Scolopendra sp. Guizhou is a venomous centipede capable of delivering an extremely painful and medically significant bite. Envenomation can cause intense localized pain, severe swelling, nausea, and in rare cases more serious systemic symptoms requiring medical attention. This species is extremely fast, defensive when disturbed, and should never be handled under any circumstances. Bites require immediate medical attention.
Care Requirements
- Enclosure: Secure escape-proof enclosure with a tight-fitting lid; provide cork bark, leaf litter, and hides for shelter
- Substrate: 3–5 inches of moist coco fiber or topsoil mix; maintain a moisture gradient
- Temperature: 75–82°F; consistent warmth is essential for this subtropical species
- Humidity: 70–80%; keep substrate moderately moist with good ventilation
- Diet: Crickets, roaches, superworms, or other appropriately sized prey; feed weekly to bi-weekly
- Temperament: Extremely fast, defensive, and venomous — for experienced invertebrate keepers only. Never handle.
⚠️ Advanced Species Only: Due to potent venom, 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.
