Giant Centipedes: Experiences with Centipede Bites & Behavior

[BronxZooFrank]

Hi All,

Whether you are considering the massive Amazonian Giant Centipede (Scolopendra gigantea) or the tiniest native species, the keeping of these fascinating but potentially dangerous creatures should not be undertaken lightly. During the course of my career in zoo-keeping and field research, I’ve encountered many species, and have learned something of the difficulties and dangerous their care poses. An escaped Giant Centipede once gave me much cause for concern (please see article linked below), and several colleagues have been bitten, sometimes with dire results. Yet many of us are drawn to them, and with so much still to learn, and so many species yet to be discovered, their study offers an exciting challenge.

Read the rest of this article here: http://bit.ly/14hHVzW

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Thanks, Frank
My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with http://bitly.com/LC8Lbp

 

[Tramonte172]

Nice article. Thanks for posting it.

 

[BronxZooFrank]

Nice article. Thanks for posting it.

Very kind of you to write in; thanks very much, frank

 

[Duncan6618]

Very informative. I have a lot of giant redheaded centipedes around my house. Even found a couple in the house. I don't know anyone who has been bitten but everyone says they pack an exceptionally painful bite.

 

[BronxZooFrank]

Hi,

Thank you...if you are in Texas, it may be this species; yes, the bite is said to be painful (see account in linked article); not known to be dangerous but individual allergies etc are always a possibility. Best, Frank