Tropical Centipede Care Sheet
Invertebrate
Depends on species, 3-14 inches long
Depends on species, 5-10+ years
Insectivore
Diet & Nutrition
Centipedes eat a variety of live insects including crickets, mealworms, superworms, waxworms, hornworms, and dubia roaches. Vertebrates such as baby mice can be fed as well but should be done so in moderation. Never use a mouse that is large enough to bite or attack the centipede.
Feeding Schedule
Housing & Habitat
Being from Tropical/Neo-Tropical environments high humidity (70-80%) is recommended. Consult your local store for specifics regarding your species.
Provide a cluttered habitat with plenty of hiding places, leaf litter, and cork bark.
Live plants and a glass or plastic lid may help maintain humidity.
Enclosure Size
Most adult specimens will require a 10 gallon tank or larger. Small and immature specimens can be kept in smaller enclosures such as Zilla's Micro
Habitats. Tank size will vary depending on the species and size of the Centipede.
Centipedes are solitary creatures and should be always kept by themselves.
Consult your local specialty store regarding a specific cage for your specific needs. Secure tops are recommended as some species can climb silicone and decorations to escape.
Substrate
Acceptable substrates include jungle mix, repti-soil, Fir bark, or eco earth. Moss can be added to substrate for increased humidity. Centipedes will burrow, as a result, make sure substrate depth is at least 4 - 6 inches.
Temperature & Lighting
Temperature
Temperatures between 70-75°F are perfect for your Centipede.
Any temperatures above 85°F can lead to death. Temperatures below 65°F can also be problematic and should be corrected using low wattage lighting or heating pads.
Lighting
Centipedes do best when provided with a natural 12-hour photoperiod.
Fluorescent or LED lighting are excellent options to light the terrarium during the day and for plant growth. Red bulbs or LED blacklight bulbs are great options for nighttime viewing.
Molting - Feeding should be put off for at least a week after a molt as the fangs and exoskeleton will still be soft and damageable by prey.
All Scolopendrid species are capable delivering a potent venomous bite. It is NOT recommended to handle these species. Use forceps or tongs for general cage maintenance.
Humidity & Watering
Watering
Always provide a bowl of fresh drinking water. Size the bowl appropriately to the animal. The cage can be misted manually or with an automated fogger/mister to maintain proper humidity levels.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do Tropical Centipedes eat?
Centipedes eat a variety of live insects including crickets, mealworms, superworms, waxworms, hornworms, and dubia roaches. Vertebrates such as baby mice can be fed as well but should be done so in moderation. Never use a mouse that is large enough to bite or attack the centipede.
What size enclosure does a Tropical Centipede need?
Being from Tropical/Neo-Tropical environments high humidity (70-80%) is recommended. Consult your local store for specifics regarding your species. Provide a cluttered habitat with plenty of hiding places, leaf litter, and cork bark. Live plants and a glass or plastic lid may help maintain humidity. Most adult specimens will require a 10 gallon tank or larger. Small and immature specimens can be kept in smaller enclosures such as Zilla's Micro Habitats. Tank size will vary depending on the sp...
What temperature and lighting does a Tropical Centipede need?
Temperatures between 70-75°F are perfect for your Centipede. Any temperatures above 85°F can lead to death. Temperatures below 65°F can also be problematic and should be corrected using low wattage lighting or heating pads. Centipedes do best when provided with a natural 12-hour photoperiod. Fluorescent or LED lighting are excellent options to light the terrarium during the day and for plant growth. Red bulbs or LED blacklight bulbs are great options for nighttime viewing. Molting - Feeding s...