Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra mutilans)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra mutilans) (origin: East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Vietnam)). Adult size around approx. 14–20 cm. Life expectancy approx. 5–6 years (sometimes longer). The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Chinese red-headed centipede: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×30 cm, escape-proof.
Chinese red-headed centipede: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, at night ~22 °C.
Chinese red-headed centipede: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed.
Chinese red-headed centipede: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 5–6 years (sometimes longer).
Chinese red-headed centipede: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- ~22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 60–80 % (humidity gradient)
- UVB
- No UVB needed
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×30×30 cm, escape-proof
- Substrate
- 10–15 cm of damp diggable coco humus or soil, leaf litter and cork bark
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (house crickets, roaches)
- Feeding interval
- approx. 1×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 14–20 cm
- Life expectancy
- approx. 5–6 years (sometimes longer)
- Origin
- East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Vietnam)
- Protection status
- No protected status
- Brumation
- None (usually kept without one; given its origin a cooler rest period would be optional)
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is recommended – solitary and cannibalistic. A few sources mention occasional communal keeping, but that is considered risky and is NOT recommended.
Notes
Venomous (the species used in TCM), very fast and defensive – no handling. Keep it escape-proof. Sometimes listed as Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans.
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Related species
- Amazonian giant centipede (Scolopendra gigantea) – Intermediate to expert
- Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes) – Expert
- Tanzanian blue ringleg centipede (Scolopendra morsitans) – Intermediate
- Indian tiger centipede (Scolopendra hardwickei) – Expert
- Caribbean giant centipede (Scolopendra alternans) – 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 Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra mutilans) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×30 cm, escape-proof), substrate (10–15 cm of damp diggable coco humus or soil, leaf litter and cork bark), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_red-headed_centipede, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scolopendra
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).