# Tiger Centipede (*Scolopendra subspinipes*) The Tiger Centipede has a striking look with bold stripes! They are great at hunting insects and love to explore. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 3 - **Habitat:** Tropical forests and grasslands - **Also known as:** Giant Centipede, Tropical Centipede ![Tiger Centipede](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424467/objects/5582.jpg) ## Appearance The Tiger Centipede has an elongated body with segments ranging from reddish-brown to black, often highlighted by vibrant yellow or orange bands across its body and legs. Its flattened form and many powerful legs make it look formidable and distinct from other smaller centipedes. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Chilopoda - **Order:** Scolopendromorpha - **Family:** Scolopendridae - **Genus:** Scolopendra ## Interesting facts - Its powerful venom can even take down creatures much larger than itself! - They use tiny hairs on their bodies to feel vibrations and find hidden prey! - This amazing centipede can regrow lost legs after a battle or accident! - Tiger Centipedes are super speedy runners, darting across the forest floor! ## Special abilities - **Venomous Strike:** Tiger Centipede can inject potent venom using modified front legs called forcipules that helps them quickly subdue prey. - **Swift Pursuit:** Tiger Centipede has a streamlined body and many legs that help them move with surprising speed to chase down prey. - **Night Hunter Senses:** Tiger Centipede has poor eyesight but excellent chemical and tactile senses that help them hunt for food in the dark. ## Measurements & details - **Size:** 100-200 mm - **Lifespan:** 730-1825 days - **Leg Count:** 42 ## Diet & Feeding A fierce hunter, it eats many small animals it catches with its venomous bite. - **Primary Foods:** Insects, Spiders, Other Centipedes, Small Lizards, Mice, Frogs - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [Black Rat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-rat) (*Rattus rattus*) — Occasionally preys on small rodents. - **Eats:** [Tokay Gecko](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tokay-gecko) (*Gekko gecko*) — Small lizards are a common prey item. - **Hunts:** [American Cockroach](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-cockroach) (*Periplaneta americana*) — Common insect prey in its habitat. - **Eaten by:** King Cobra (*Ophiophagus hannah*) — One of its known natural predators. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [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. - [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 Tiger 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 Tiger Centipede? 100-200 mm ### How long does Tiger Centipede live? 730-1825 days ### What does Tiger Centipede eat? A fierce hunter, it eats many small animals it catches with its venomous bite. ### Where is Tiger Centipede usually found? Tropical forests and grasslands ### How does Tiger Centipede hunt? Pursuit ### How many legs does Tiger Centipede have? 42 ## Where to spot - [Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/amy-b-h-greenwell-ethnobotanical-garden) — Hawaii, US · Botanical Garden - [National Tropical Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/national-tropical-botanical-garden) — Hawaii, US · Botanical Garden ## 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*) --- Source: [Tiger Centipede: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tiger-centipede)