# Amazonian Giant Centipede (*Scolopendra gigantea*)

The Amazonian Giant Centipede is a large and impressive creature! They are skilled hunters that can catch small animals.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Rainforests
- **Also known as:** Giant Scolopendra

![Amazonian Giant Centipede](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424592/objects/5583.jpg)

## Appearance

The Amazonian Giant Centipede has a long, segmented body, usually a striking reddish-brown or maroon. Its numerous pairs of legs often have a yellowish or orange hue, making it visually distinct. It also sports prominent antennae.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Chilopoda
- **Order:** Scolopendromorpha
- **Family:** Scolopendridae
- **Genus:** Scolopendra

## Interesting facts

- It's one of the largest centipede species on Earth, a true giant!
- Some centipede species, like this one, can glow under ultraviolet light!
- Their bite is very painful to humans, causing swelling and fever!
- This centipede can eat small bats mid-flight, snatching them from the air!

## Special abilities

- **Venomous Strike:** Amazonian Giant Centipede can inject powerful venom using modified front legs that helps them paralyze and subdue prey quickly.
- **Multi-Legged Dash:** Amazonian Giant Centipede has up to 46 legs that help them grip surfaces, move with surprising speed, and navigate complex terrain.
- **Nighttime Navigator:** Amazonian Giant Centipede has long, sensitive antennae that help them detect prey and navigate their dark rainforest habitat.

## Measurements & details

- **Size:** 150-300 mm
- **Lifespan:** 1095-3650 days
- **Leg Count:** 42

## Diet & Feeding

A fierce carnivore, it hunts and eats insects, spiders, reptiles, amphibians, and even small mammals.

- **Primary Foods:** insects, spiders, lizards, frogs, snakes, bats, rodents
- **Foraging Method:** Ambush

## Ecological connections

- **Hunts:** Greater spear-nosed bat (*Phyllostomus hastatus*) — A known prey item caught mid-air.
- **Hunts:** [Cane toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cane-toad) (*Rhinella marina*) — Preys on these amphibians when encountered.
- **Eaten by:** Boa constrictor (*Boa constrictor*) — Can be prey for larger snakes in its habitat.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
- [Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rainforest): This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
- [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
- [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
- [Giant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/giant): Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
- [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)
- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Amazonian Giant Centipede?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How big is Amazonian Giant Centipede?

150-300 mm

### How long does Amazonian Giant Centipede live?

1095-3650 days

### What does Amazonian Giant Centipede eat?

A fierce carnivore, it hunts and eats insects, spiders, reptiles, amphibians, and even small mammals.

### Where is Amazonian Giant Centipede usually found?

Rainforests

### How does Amazonian Giant Centipede hunt?

Ambush

### How many legs does Amazonian Giant Centipede have?

42

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Amazonian Giant Centipede: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/amazonian-giant-centipede)