Hainan Giant Centipede
The Hainan Giant Centipede is a large, relatively recently described species, first documented in 2012, native to Hainan Island, China. Its jet-black body offset by vivid yellow legs gives the species its trade name, "Hainan Black Tiger Leg." Juveniles show a striking dark navy head and golden-yellow dorsal plates, gradually shifting toward adult coloration as they mature, a transformation many keepers find fascinating to watch. Hardy and fast-growing, it reaches sexual maturity in about a year. Adults grow to an impressive 20-28 cm, making this a bold, high-presence centipede favored by experienced invertebrate keepers.
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Apply as a breederHainan Giant Centipede key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Lifespan
- 5-7 years
- Size
- Up to 20-28cm
- Temperature
- 26〜28℃
- Humidity
- 60〜80%
- Diet
- Crickets, dubia and red runner roaches
- Temperature & Humidity
- About 26-28 C with high humidity; keep the substrate moist for roughly 60-80%.
- Enclosure
- A tight-sealing enclosure with deep coco fibre, a hide and a shallow water dish. It grows fast, so step up enclosure size.
- Diet & Feeding
- Crickets, dubia or red runner roaches once or twice a week.
- Temperament & Venom
- An aggressive, potently venomous large species. Never handle.
- Notes
- House singly. The epithet is spelled hainanum or hainana, so confirm by trade name and locality when buying.
About Hainan Giant Centipede
A large centipede from Hainan Island, China, described in 2012. Black body with yellow legs, growing to 20-28 cm. Hardy and fast-growing, best suited to experienced keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Hainan Giant Centipede
1Best Suited to Experienced Keepers
The Hainan Giant Centipede is hardy and easy to maintain, but its fast movements and defensive temperament make it best suited to keepers with prior centipede experience. Handling is generally avoided, and tools like hooks or long tweezers are recommended for maintenance.
2Impressive Size of 20-28 cm
Adults reach an impressive 20-28 cm in length. Choose an enclosure with enough depth and substrate thickness to match their size and accommodate their burrowing habits.
3Caution: Venomous Bite
Like other giant centipedes, this species has venomous forcipules that can cause significant pain and swelling if it bites. Always use tools rather than bare hands when handling or performing maintenance.
4Color Changes from Juvenile to Adult
Juveniles display a distinctive dark navy head and golden-yellow dorsal plates, which gradually shift to the adult's black body and yellow legs as they grow. Watching this color transformation is one of the joys of keeping this species.
5Fast Growth, Matures in About a Year
This species is hardy and grows quickly, reaching sexual maturity in about a year. Provide a stable environment and avoid overfeeding or excessive heat to support steady growth.
6Keep One Per Enclosure
Giant centipedes are territorial and prone to cannibalism, so housing one individual per enclosure is standard practice. If keeping multiple individuals, prepare a separate enclosure for each.
7Secure Against Escapes
This species is strong and can escape through small gaps, so choose an enclosure with a secure, locking lid and check that ventilation mesh is fine enough. Setting up the enclosure, substrate, and thermo-hygrometer before bringing one home will help ensure a smooth start.
Frequently asked questions about Hainan Giant Centipede
- Q.Can beginners keep a Hainan Giant Centipede?
- A.While the species is hardy and not difficult to maintain, its speed and venomous bite make it recommended for experienced keepers rather than beginners.
- Q.Is its bite dangerous?
- A.It has venomous forcipules, and a bite can cause significant pain and swelling. Always use tools such as hooks or tweezers instead of bare hands when handling it.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.Adults reach up to 20-28 cm, making it a large species. The enclosure should be sized appropriately to accommodate this growth.
- Q.Can multiple individuals be kept together?
- A.No, giant centipedes are territorial and prone to cannibalism, so each individual should be housed in its own enclosure. Prepare a separate enclosure for each one you keep.
- Q.Is it listed under CITES?
- A.The Hainan Giant Centipede is not listed under CITES. No CITES-related trade procedures apply to this species.
Learn more about Hainan Giant Centipede in the encyclopedia
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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