Fauna
Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 5179388

Amazonian Giant Centipede

Scolopendra gigantea

Also known as Peruvian Giant Yellow-Leg Centipede, Peruvian Giant Centipede

Amazonian giant centipedes are formidable nocturnal predators capable of overpowering vertebrates much larger than typical arthropod prey. They frequently hang from cave ceilings by their hind legs to snatch bats right out of the air. With specialized venom-injecting front legs called forcipules, they deliver a swift paralytic strike before consuming their catch in darkness.

PredatoryNocturnalVenomous
Amazonian Giant Centipede reference
Licensed referenceKatka Nemčoková / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Bats
  • Lizards
  • Small rodents
Predators
  • Coatis
  • Large owls
  • Snakes
ThreatsHabitat loss and poaching for the exotic pet trade
HabitatsTropical rainforests, tropical dry forests, caves, leaf litter
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyScolopendridae
  2. SpeciesScolopendra gigantea
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is very high
Delivers a highly painful venomous bite with powerful modified legs; keep a safe distance and never handle.
Why it is dangerous
Injects potent venom containing histamine, serotonin, and cardiotoxins that cause extreme pain, localized tissue swelling, fever, and severe weakness.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a heavy dark red or brown body exceeding 30 cm with 21 to 23 body segments and contrasting yellow legs.
What to do
Never touch or corner this invertebrate; back away slowly if encountered on forest paths or cave walls.
Responsible observation
  • Maintain distance: Observe from several meters away as these centipedes strike with remarkable speed.
  • Watch your step: Avoid reaching blindly into hollow logs, rock crevices, or thick leaf litter in tropical forests.
  • Use torchlight: Night walks with a flash-light reveal their active hunting hours without disturbing their paths.
Related species
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