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 in burrows beneath the earth. Centipedes are found on every continent except Antarctica. 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.

What Are Centipedes?

Centipedes are long, flat, segmented arthropods with a pair of legs on each segment. Given the name, you might be surprised to learn that not all centipedes have a hundred legs. Some 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 arthopods that feed on small rodents, spiders, and insects. Nearly all centipedes are venomous, which they use to subdue their prey. However, their venom is typically only potent enough to cause mild symptoms in humans. It is undeniable that centipedes are fascinating, but the 10 largest species may surprise you.

10. Indian Tiger Centipede

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. Like other giant centipedes, they are venomous. A bite is said to cause a burning sensation, swelling, redness, and even drowsiness in humans.

9. Sonoran Desert Centipede

The Sonoran Desert centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) is 4 to 7 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.

8. Waterfall Centipede

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 are hydrophobic, meaning their outer coating repels water and allows them to live more effectively in aquatic environments. While other centipedes avidly avoid water, the waterfall centipede actively takes shelter in water to escape predators or other threats.

Waterfall centipedes were first observed in 2000, when a specimen was captured in Thailand. They are thought to live only in Southeast Asia. Little is known about their diet, but they are believed to prey on aquatic or amphibious invertebrates.

7. Giant Desert Centipede

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.

6. Amazonian Giant Centipede

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 up to 8 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.

5. Vietnamese Centipede

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 forcipules. These modified legs have sharp claws connected to venom glands that subdue their prey before it is quickly devoured.

4. Chinese Red-Headed Centipede

The Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes), one of the world’s largest centipedes, is used in Eastern medicine. Typically measuring around 8 to 10 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 centuries. They have been 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.

3. Haitian Giant Centipede

The Haitian giant centipede (Scolopendra alternans), also known as the Keys giant centipede or Caribbean giant centipede, is a large centipede that prefers tropical climates. They can grow to lengths of up to 10 inches. They range from brownish-red to light brown with paler legs.

These centipedes have an eclectic diet that consists of small rodents, amphibians, and even other centipedes. They are found throughout the Caribbean, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, the Florida Keys, and Puerto Rico.

2. Darwin’s Goliath Centipede

Growing up to 11 inches in length, Darwin’s Goliath centipede (Scolopendra galapagoensis) is one of the largest centipedes on the planet. It has a thick body with an odd number of legs, the last pair of legs may be elongated or spiny in some individuals, which can aid in defense. They can be either dark green to black or a reddish orange, depending on the phenotype.

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

The Peruvian giant yellow-leg centipede (Scolopendra gigantea) is the largest in the world. Incredibly, the Peruvian giant yellow-leg centipede generally grows up to around 12 inches long, although some large individuals may exceed this length. This centipede eats prey up to 15 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, small mammals, amphibians, and even other centipedes. They are solitary, territorial insects, preferring to live and hunt alone except during mating.