Discover the Fascinating World of Centipedes: 10 Largest Species Revealed

Did you know that there are over 3,000 different species of centipedes, and scientists believe that there could be 5,000+ species yet to be discovered? These introverted arthropods aren’t often seen as they live under rocks, inside logs, and burrowed beneath the earth. Centipedes are found on every continent except Antarctica. And while the average centipede is typically no more than 4 inches long, many are astoundingly larger. So, just how big is the biggest centipede in the world? Continue reading our list of the top ten largest centipedes to discover the number one biggest centipede on Earth!

Centipede: Overview

You might be surprised to learn that not all centipedes have a hundred legs. Many have as few as 15 pairs of legs, while others have as many as 191 pairs, depending on the species. They also have the astonishing ability to grow new legs with each molt and can regenerate legs that are severed. Centipedes are exclusively carnivorous creatures that feed on small rodents, spiders, and insects.

All centipedes are venomous, which they use to subdue their prey. However, their venom is only potent enough to cause mild symptoms in humans. Centipedes are fascinating, and the 10 largest species will make you gasp!

10. Giant Desert Centipede (Scolopendra heros)

The giant desert centipede (Scolopendra heros) is the largest species of centipede in the United States. They are between 6.5 and 8 inches long and have 21 to 23 pairs of legs. These centipedes live in arid climates and rocky woodlands like those found in the southwestern U.S. and Northern Mexico.

The giant desert centipede is a nocturnal species that uses venom to sedate its prey making them easier to eat. Their diet includes small rodents, reptiles, and amphibians. They have red heads, black bodies, and yellow legs. The giant desert centipede has one of the most powerful jaws across all species of centipedes.

9. Vietnamese Centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes)

Despite their name, Vietnamese centipedes (Scolopendra subspinipes) are not exclusive to Vietnam; they are also found in Japan, West Africa, Australia, and Hawaii. Vietnamese centipedes are 4 to 10 inches long and come in different patterns, but most range from dark brown to yellow-brown and have colorful yellow or orange legs.

They primarily eat insects, spiders, scorpions, and small rodents. These centipedes capture their prey by wrapping their bodies around it and stabbing it with their front legs, called toxicognaths. These modified legs, called forcipules, have sharp claws connected to venom glands that subdue their prey before it is quickly devoured.

8. Haitian Giant Centipede (Scolopendra alternans)

The Haitian giant centipede (Scolopendra alternans), also known as the Keys giant centipede, is a large centipede that prefers tropical climates. They range from mahogany to light brown and have pale yellow legs.

These centipedes have an eclectic diet consisting of small rodents, amphibians, and even other centipedes. These centipedes, which can grow to be over six inches long, are found throughout the Caribbean, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, the Florida Keys, and Puerto Rico.

7. Chinese Red-Headed Centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes)

The Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes), one of the world’s largest centipedes, is used in Eastern medicine. Typically measuring around 8 inches long, these centipedes can be found across Asia, Australia, Indonesia, and Central America. They eat mice, small reptiles, and any other animal they can overpower.

These centipedes have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years. They are used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions, from epilepsy and cardiovascular disease to tuberculosis and burns. Studies have also determined that these centipedes have anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Sonoran Desert Centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha)

The Sonoran Desert centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) is four to seven inches long and has a multi-colored body. Sometimes called the tiger centipede or tiger-stripe centipede due to their golden color and deep black lateral stripes, this species is found in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico.

The Sonoran Desert centipede prefers to make its home under rocks or in other shady areas during the day. They are most active in the evening during the winter months. For the rest of the year, they stay burrowed to protect themselves against the heat. Their diet is primarily made up of tarantulas, lizards, and other small desert wildlife.

5. Waterfall Centipede (Scolopendra cataracta)

The waterfall centipede (Scolopendra cataracta) grows up to 7.9 inches long and is the only recognized species of amphibious centipede. They have dark brown or maroon bodies and legs that range from pale yellow to deep red.

Waterfall centipedes were first observed in 2000, when a specimen was captured in Thailand. They are thought to live only in southeast Asia. Like other centipedes, their bites are venomous, and they are exclusively carnivorous.

Waterfall Centipedes are hydrophobic, which means their outer coating repels water, allowing them to live more effectively in aquatic environments. While other centipedes avidly avoid water, Scolopendra cataracta actively takes shelter in water to escape predators or other threats.

4. Indian Tiger Centipede (Scolopendra hardwickei)

The Indian tiger centipede (Scolopendra hardwickei), also called the Hindu tiger centipede, is an arthropod that is around 6.3 inches long when fully grown. These centipedes are recognized by the deep orange and black bands on their bodies and their dark orange heads and antennae. Indian tiger centipedes are most commonly found across southern India. They eat grasshoppers, snails, spiders, and earthworms.

3. Amazonian Giant Centipede (Scolopendra viridicornis)

As its name suggests, the Amazonian giant centipede (Scolopendra viridicornis) is most commonly found in the Amazon rainforest, particularly in Brazil. They grow to be just over 6 inches long. The Amazonian giant centipede’s diet consists of small rodents and amphibians. They will scavenge for food when prey is scarce.

Though their venom has been used as an analgesic in traditional Brazilian folk medicine for years, research is finding that a peptide in the Amazonian giant centipede’s venom, called lacrain, kills gram-negative bacteria while leaving human blood cells unharmed. Its potential as a natural and effective antibiotic is encouraging, and studies are ongoing.

2. Darwin’s Goliath Centipede (Scolopendra galapagoensis)

Growing up to 11 inches in length, Darwin’s Goliath centipede (Scolopendra galapagoensis) is one of the largest centipedes on the planet. Also called the Galápagos centipede, this species is known for its large mandibles. Native to the Galapagos Islands, these giant centipedes get their name from Charles Darwin, who first discovered the species. They feed on small animals like birds, reptiles, snakes, and bats.

1. Peruvian Giant Yellow-Leg Centipede (Scolopendra gigantea)

The Peruvian giant yellow-leg centipede (Scolopendra gigantea) is the largest in the world! Incredibly, the Peruvian giant yellow-leg centipede can grow up to a foot long and eats prey up to fifteen times its size! Most Peruvian giant yellow-leg centipedes are dark brown or maroon with yellow legs.

Peruvian giant yellow-leg centipedes live in South America and the Caribbean. They are carnivores whose diet consists of a variety of animals, including reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and even other centipedes. They prefer to live and hunt alone.