Tiger centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Tiger centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) (origin: South-western North America (the USA, Mexico), arid and semi-arid areas). Adult size around approx. 10–18 cm. Life expectancy approx. 5 years (sometimes more). The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Tiger centipede: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×20×20 cm, escape-proof.
Tiger centipede: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–28 °C (tolerates 20–30 °C), at night room temperature.
Tiger centipede: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed.
Tiger centipede: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 5 years (sometimes more).
Tiger centipede: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–28 °C (tolerates 20–30 °C)
- Night temperature
- room temperature
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 50–65 % (rather dry / semi-arid; a water dish plus one more humid corner)
- UVB
- No UVB needed
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×20×20 cm, escape-proof
- Substrate
- 8–12 cm of rather dry, diggable substrate (a soil, sand and coco mix), leaf litter and bark
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (house crickets, roaches)
- Feeding interval
- approx. 1×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 10–18 cm
- Life expectancy
- approx. 5 years (sometimes more)
- Origin
- South-western North America (the USA, Mexico), arid and semi-arid areas
- Protection status
- No protected status
- Brumation
- None (optionally a cooler, drier rest period in winter)
- Cohabitation
- Keep strictly singly: solitary and cannibalistic. The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts.
Notes
To be kept markedly drier than the tropical species – avoid waterlogging. Venomous (a painful bite, usually weaker than in the giant species) – no handling. A good digger and a poor climber; a robust beginner's species among the centipedes.
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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
- Mediterranean banded centipede (Scolopendra cingulata) – Intermediate
- Giant desert centipede (Scolopendra heros) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Tiger centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×20×20 cm, escape-proof), substrate (8–12 cm of rather dry, diggable substrate (a soil, sand and coco mix), leaf litter and 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/Scolopendra, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scolopendra_polymorpha
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).