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Scolopendra hainanum
A large centipede from Hainan Island, China, described in 2012. Black body set off by yellow legs; juveniles have a dark-blue head and golden tergites. Hardy and fast-growing, maturing in about a year. Traded as the Hainan black tiger leg.
Scolopendra hainanum was described by Kronmüller in 2012 from Hainan Island alongside his revision of the S. subspinipes subspecies. Like S. multidens the males lack gonopods, and it is one of very few Scolopendra with almost no paramedian sutures on the tergites. It is separated from the related semi-aquatic S. cataracta by sternite suture length and spine counts; DNA data are still lacking. GBIF records extend to Hong Kong, mainland China and Vietnam. Traded as the Hainan black tiger leg, adults have a black body with yellow legs, while juveniles show dark-blue antennae and head, golden tergites, yellow underside and azure leg tips, changing colour as they grow. Maximum length is given as 20 cm to 28 cm depending on the source. Hardy and fast-growing, it matures in about a year. Keep at around 26-28 C with high humidity and deep substrate for its burrowing habit. Aggressive and potently venomous, so house singly in a tight-sealing enclosure.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hainan Giant Centipede lives 5-7 years.
The Hainan Giant Centipede grows to Up to 20-28cm.
The ideal temperature for the Hainan Giant Centipede is 26〜28℃. Ideal humidity is 60〜80%.
Origin
Hainan Island, China (also recorded from Hong Kong, Guangdong and northern Vietnam)
Sources: Terminal Legs: Hainan black tiger leg / Marukoro shop: Hainan black tiger (max about 20 cm) / Oyodo PMP: husbandry study of Scolopendromorpha / Terminal Legs: centipede keeping manual / Siriwut et al. 2016 ZooKeys / 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 hainanum Kronmüller, 2012
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.
Find listings for this species
Lifespan
5-7 years
Size
Up to 20-28cm
Temperature
26〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Crickets, dubia and red runner roaches
About 26-28 C with high humidity; keep the substrate moist for roughly 60-80%.
A tight-sealing enclosure with deep coco fibre, a hide and a shallow water dish. It grows fast, so step up enclosure size.
Crickets, dubia or red runner roaches once or twice a week.
An aggressive, potently venomous large species. Never handle.
House singly. The epithet is spelled hainanum or hainana, so confirm by trade name and locality when buying.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Hainan Giant Centipede is 26〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Hainan Giant Centipede is 5-7 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hainan Giant Centipede typically reaches Up to 20-28cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hainan Giant Centipede feeds on: Crickets, dubia and red runner roaches. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hainan Giant Centipede varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026