Caribbean giant centipede (Scolopendra alternans)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Caribbean giant centipede (Scolopendra alternans) (origin: The Caribbean, the Florida Keys). Adult size around 15–20 cm. Life expectancy 5–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Caribbean giant centipede: How big does the enclosure need to be?
40×30×25 cm, absolutely escape-proof.
Caribbean giant centipede: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 21–24 °C.
Caribbean giant centipede: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Caribbean giant centipede: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–8 years.
Caribbean giant centipede: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 65–80 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 40×30×25 cm, absolutely escape-proof
- Substrate
- Coco humus 10–15 cm, cork bark, leaf litter
Feeding
- Food
- Roaches, house crickets, the occasional nestling
- Feeding interval
- every 7–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm
- Life expectancy
- 5–8 years
- Origin
- The Caribbean, the Florida Keys
- Protection status
- A DANGEROUS ANIMAL – a very painful bite; keeping it requires notification or a permit, varying by German state
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep strictly singly: solitary and cannibalistic - two animals in one enclosure regularly end up as one. This applies even to animals of equal size and even when both are well fed. For breeding, the male is introduced under observation and separated again immediately.
Notes
A powerful island species with a red-brown head. Very defensive and fast; it climbs well. As with all Scolopendra: no handling, and move it only with long forceps and a container.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Amazonian giant centipede (Scolopendra gigantea) – Intermediate to expert
- Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes) – Expert
- Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra mutilans) – Expert
- Tanzanian blue ringleg centipede (Scolopendra morsitans) – Intermediate
- Indian tiger centipede (Scolopendra hardwickei) – Expert
- Mediterranean banded centipede (Scolopendra cingulata) – Intermediate
- Giant desert centipede (Scolopendra heros) – Expert
- Tiger centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Caribbean giant centipede (Scolopendra alternans) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×30×25 cm, absolutely escape-proof), substrate (Coco humus 10–15 cm, cork bark, leaf litter), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scolopendra, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scolopendra_alternans
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).