Mediterranean banded centipede (Scolopendra cingulata)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Mediterranean banded centipede (Scolopendra cingulata) (origin: The Mediterranean). Adult size around 10–15 cm. Life expectancy 4–7 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Mediterranean banded centipede: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×20×20 cm, escape-proof.
Mediterranean banded centipede: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 16–20 °C.
Mediterranean banded centipede: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Mediterranean banded centipede: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–7 years.
Mediterranean banded centipede: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 60–70 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×20×20 cm, escape-proof
- Substrate
- Sand-loam with stones and leaf litter
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- every 7–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 10–15 cm
- Life expectancy
- 4–7 years
- Origin
- The Mediterranean
- Protection status
- A painful bite; it may be classified as a dangerous animal
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 8–10 weeks
- 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 European centipede, to be kept a little cooler than tropical species. Nocturnal, hiding under stones by day.
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
- Caribbean giant centipede (Scolopendra alternans) – Expert
- Giant desert centipede (Scolopendra heros) – Expert
- Tiger centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Mediterranean banded centipede (Scolopendra cingulata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×20×20 cm, escape-proof), substrate (Sand-loam with stones and 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://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europ%C3%A4ischer_Riesenl%C3%A4ufer, 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).