
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Scolopendra heros
The largest centipede in North America, averaging 17 cm and reaching 20 cm in the wild. The Texas redheaded form with a red head and greenish-black body is famous. Slow-growing, living over a decade. Potent venom; for experienced keepers.
Scolopendra heros is the largest centipede in North America, ranging from the southwestern United States into northern Mexico. It averages about 17 cm, reaches 20 cm in the wild and grows larger in captivity, with 21 or 23 pairs of legs. Several aposematic colour forms exist; the Arkansas-Texas population with a red head and greenish-black body is known as the Texas redheaded centipede. It lives in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts as well as rocky woodland, staying underground on hot days and surfacing in cloudy weather. A nocturnal hunter, it takes rodents, reptiles and amphibians and can even snatch flying insects. It is slow-growing and can live over a decade. The venom contains serotonin, histamine and haemolytic phospholipase and bites are very painful. Keep at 22-26 C with only one corner of the substrate moist to create a gradient, and fresh water always available. It is an accomplished escape artist, so secure the lid. Mostly wild-caught US stock; supply is limited.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Giant Desert Centipede lives Over 10 years.
The Giant Desert Centipede grows to 17-20cm.
The ideal temperature for the Giant Desert Centipede is 22〜26℃.
Origin
Southwestern USA to northern Mexico (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas)
Sources: Cainz magazine: how to keep centipedes / Pets!Pets! keeping centipedes / Bugs In Cyberspace: Giant Desert Centipede / Wikipedia / GBIF
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Scolopendra heros Girard, 1853
Synonyms: Scolopendra castaneiceps
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
Over 10 years
Size
17-20cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Crickets, dubia roaches and other insects
Aim for 22-26 C. A dry-country species: keep most of the substrate dry and moisten one corner only.
An enclosure at least 1.5x the body length tall with burrowable substrate, a hide and a stable shallow water dish.
Crickets or dubia once or twice a week. Large adults take small vertebrates, but these spoil quickly; do not overfeed.
Aggressive with potent venom; bites can cause severe pain for days. Never handle.
Slow-growing and long-lived. House singly, guard against escapes and keep out of children's reach.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Giant Desert Centipede is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Giant Desert Centipede is Over 10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Giant Desert Centipede typically reaches 17-20cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Giant Desert Centipede feeds on: Crickets, dubia roaches and other insects. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Giant Desert Centipede varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026