Fauna
Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 5179468

Red-headed Centipede

Scolopendra morsitans

Also 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
Red-headed Centipede reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Jackson Nugent, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
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
Classification
  1. FamilyScolopendridae
  2. SpeciesScolopendra morsitans
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 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.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…