
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ethmostigmus trigonopodus
A large otostigmine centipede widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. Leg colour forms include blue, yellow and banded, with blue-legged animals dominating the trade. Relatively calm and hardy, often recommended as an entry species.
Ethmostigmus trigonopodus, also called the African giant centipede, belongs to the subfamily Otostigminae. GBIF records span sub-Saharan Africa including DR Congo, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania, and two subspecies are recognised, the nominate form and pygmenasoides. Populations in northern Nigeria mature within a year, which is unusual among centipedes. The body is somewhat stocky with short legs, and three leg-colour forms are known: blue, yellow and banded; Japanese stock arrives on Tanzanian shipments. Length is given as around 20 cm, though a reliable maximum is not established. Relatively calm and hardy, it does well at around 25 C with fairly high humidity and is often listed as an entry-level giant centipede. Because Scolopendra morsitans is also sold as the Tanzanian blue ringleg, check the scientific name when buying. Keep in a lidded enclosure on moist substrate, housed singly, and never handle bare-handed as it is venomous.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede lives 7-9 years.
The Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede grows to Around 20cm (approx.).
The ideal temperature for the Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede is 25℃. Ideal humidity is 50%.
Origin
Sub-Saharan Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo, South Africa, etc.)
Sources: Pets!Pets! Ethmostigmus trigonopodus / Terminal Legs: four keeping environments for centipedes / Terminal Legs: centipede keeping manual / 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: Ethmostigmus trigonopodus (Leach, 1817)
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
7-9 years
Size
Around 20cm (approx.)
Temperature
25℃
Humidity
50%
Crickets, dubia roaches and other insects
Around 25 C with fairly high humidity (above 50%). Keep the substrate moist.
A lidded plastic enclosure with coco fibre, a hide and a shallow water dish.
Crickets or dubia once or twice a week.
Relatively calm for a giant centipede but venomous; do not handle bare-handed.
House singly. Sold under the same trade name as S. morsitans, so check the scientific name. Northern Nigerian stock matures within a year. Names sold by leg colour such as Kenyan blue leg, Tanzanian banded and Tanzanian yellow leg also cover this species. Its English name, Tanzanian blue ring centipede, is easily confused with the Tanzanian blue ringleg of Scolopendra morsitans.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede is 25℃. Recommended humidity is 50%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede is 7-9 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede typically reaches Around 20cm (approx.) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede feeds on: Crickets, dubia roaches and other insects. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026