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Scolopendra paradoxa
A Philippine endemic giant centipede with striking teal legs. It reaches about 14 cm and is one of the few amphibious centipedes, able to swim and walk underwater.
Scolopendra paradoxa Doménech, 2018 is a giant centipede of the family Scolopendridae endemic to the Philippines. It was described as a new species in a 2018 molecular study of the Philippine Scolopendra. It grows to about 14 cm and has teal-coloured legs. Together with S. cataracta from Southeast Asia and S. alcyona from the Ryukyu Islands, it is one of the few amphibious centipedes, able to swim and to walk underwater. Scolopendra species are active predators feeding mainly on insects and other invertebrates, and all of them bite with venom delivered through the forcipules. The venom of most species is not considered medically significant, but some cause intense, long-lasting pain and swelling, and a fatality has been reported for a large Asian-Pacific species. Little has been published on the venom of this species in particular, so it should be treated like any other large Scolopendra. In Japan, specialist shops occasionally offer animals labelled with locality or form names such as 'Highland', 'Lowland' and 'Green band', as well as captive-bred young.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Luzon blue-leg centipede grows to Body length about 14 cm.
Origin
Philippines (endemic)
Lifespan
Little data
Size
Body length about 14 cm
Carnivorous (live insects such as crickets and roaches)
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.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Scolopendra paradoxa Doménech, 2018
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · Zootaxa 4483 (2018)
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
It is not a designated invasive species, an uncategorised alien species or a taxon needing an identification certificate in Japan, and it is not listed by CITES (September 2026). Its bite is painful, so keep it in escape-proof housing and never release captive animals.
Sources: Ministry of the Environment: List of regulated alien species, including taxa needing an identification certificate (JA) / Species+ CITES query (not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Keep singly. As an amphibious species it should have a damp substrate it can burrow into plus a water area large enough to submerge in, and bark for cover.
There is little published temperature or humidity data for this species. It is tropical, so avoid winter cold and keep part of the substrate constantly moist.
Live prey such as crickets and roaches sized to the centipede. Remove uneaten food before it spoils.
All Scolopendra are venomous, and a bite can cause intense, long-lasting pain and swelling. It moves fast, so never handle it bare-handed and use long tongs for maintenance.
Centipedes often escape through small gaps, so use a lockable lid with fine ventilation. Never release captive animals.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
Luzon blue-leg centipede typically reaches Body length about 14 cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Luzon blue-leg centipede feeds on: Carnivorous (live insects such as crickets and roaches). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Luzon blue-leg centipede varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026