Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 5179468
Red-headed Centipede
Scolopendra morsitansAlso known as Tanzanian Blue Ringleg, Tanzanian Blue Ringed Centipede
Red-headed centipedes are swift nocturnal predators known for striking contrast between their bright orange-red heads, dark bodies, and banded blue-tinted legs. They stalk invertebrates and tiny vertebrates through leaf litter, subduing prey using powerful venom claws called forcipules. Females lay clusters of eggs in moist soil and curl their bodies around the brood until the young hatch.
VenomousNocturnalPredatory
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Spiders
- Small Lizards
Predators
- Birds
- Lizards
- Small Mammals
ThreatsHabitat disruption and localized over-collection
HabitatsWoodlands, scrublands, rainforests, and under decaying logs
Life span5–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyScolopendridae
- SpeciesScolopendra morsitans
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Delivers a painful venomous bite with modified front claws; keep a safe distance and do not handle bare-handed.
- Why it is dangerous
- Injects cytolytic venom through pincers near its head, causing intense pain, swelling, and localized tissue distress.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a vivid red-orange head capsule combined with dark body segments and banded legs.
- What to do
- Never pick up bare-handed; use long forceps or nudge into a deep glass jar for viewing.
Responsible observation
- Nocturnal Spotting: Search under fallen logs or leaf litter at night using a dim light.
- Safe Observation: Avoid direct contact and keep hands clear of the centipede's path.
- Habitat Respect: Always roll rocks and logs back into place after inspecting under them.
Close Relative (c) gilaman, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative Katka Nemčoková / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Richard N Horne / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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