
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Scolopendra cingulata
The most common scolopendromorph around the Mediterranean. Alternating black and golden bands; small for the family. Venom weaker than other large species. One of the few centipedes that prefers dry conditions; do not keep it wet.
Scolopendra cingulata is the most common scolopendromorph around the Mediterranean, ranging across southern Europe and North Africa from Portugal to Israel and along the Black Sea, with small relict populations in Austria and Hungary. The body carries alternating black and golden bands; length is given as 10-12 cm to about 15-18 cm depending on the source, small for the family. Its venom is milder than that of other scolopendrids. A burrower under logs and litter, it is an opportunistic carnivore taking insects and small lizards. In Japan it is the most widely traded Egyptian import, sold as the Egyptian jewel centipede, with legs yellow to red and body yellow, dark green or black. Husbandry is unusual for a centipede: a dry-type species kept at 24-28 C with low to moderate humidity, a water dish provided but the enclosure never kept wet. Growth is reported to be rather slow.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Megarian Banded Centipede lives 4-7 years.
The Megarian Banded Centipede grows to 10-18cm.
The ideal temperature for the Megarian Banded Centipede is 24〜28℃.
Origin
Southern Europe and the Mediterranean (Portugal to Greece and Israel), Black Sea coast, North Africa
Lifespan
Sources: Terminal Legs: Egyptian jewel centipede / Terminal Legs: four keeping environments for centipedes / Wikipedia / Wikipedia (ja) Scolopendromorpha / 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 cingulata Latreille, 1829
Synonyms: Scolopendra cingulatoides
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
4-7 years
Size
10-18cm
Temperature
24〜28℃
Crickets, dubia roaches and other insects
24-28 C with low to moderate humidity; unusually for a centipede, keep it on the dry side.
A lidded enclosure with burrowable substrate, a hide and a shallow water dish. Do not wet the whole enclosure.
Crickets or dubia once or twice a week.
Venom is milder than other scolopendrids, but bites still hurt. Do not handle.
House singly. Declines if kept too humid. Growth is rather slow.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Megarian Banded Centipede is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Megarian Banded Centipede is 4-7 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Megarian Banded Centipede typically reaches 10-18cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Megarian Banded Centipede feeds on: Crickets, dubia roaches and other insects. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Megarian Banded Centipede varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026