The Red Headed Centipede, Scolopendra heros castaneiceps, is one of three subspecies of Scolopendra heros, which are often collectively referred to as "Giant Desert Centipedes". The Giant Desert Centipedes are some of the largest and most attractive of all centipedes, but the Red Headed Centipede is widely considered the most impressive of the bunch. They are commonly kept as display animals and can make wonderful additions to any collection.
The Red Headed Centipede is a desert dweller that spends the day tucked away in moist hiding spots to avoid the desert's drying affects. They are often found in rock crevices, under leaf litter, and under rocks, and will sometimes burrow into the ground. Red Headed Centipedes are nocturnal predators that feed primarily upon insects. They are well equipped to avoid being preyed upon. This species of centipede has a tail that looks similar to its head, confusing would-be predators and thus, helping to protect its most vital areas. If it is attacked, it can respond with a very painful or even deadly bite. This species of centipede is quite fast and typically very aggressive. Although the venom of this centipede is not considered deadly to humans, all centipedes have a certain amount of venom in their bites; and while be bitten usually results in nothing more than a very painful wound, some people may be allergic to the venom. Pain from the bite may only last a couple of hours, but it could last as much as a couple of days.
The Red Headed Centipede is one of the world's largest species of Centipede and can reach 6 to 12 inches in length. They may have dark blue, purple, or black bodies with red or orange heads, and attached to each body segment is a pair of yellow legs.
The Red Headed Centipede is a relatively common species found throughout much of the southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.
Red Headed Centipedes can be housed well in 5 or 10-gallon terrariums. As a general rule, the enclosure should be at least twice as long as the centipede; and it is recommended that the enclosure also be taller than the centipede is long, to help prevent it from darting out the top when the lid is opened. Provide a shallow water dish and a hiding place. Many keepers recommended using cork bark pieces for the centipede to hide under. Choose a substrate that will help maintain high humidity levels and allow the animal to burrow, such as vermiculite, peat, or soil. The appropriate temperature range for Red Headed Centipede is 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The substrate should be kept moist but not wet, and the enclosure's humidity level should be kept around 75%. Red Headed Centipedes should be fed appropriately sized insects. Baby centipedes can be given pinhead crickets or similarly sized insects. Adults can be offered larger items such as adult crickets and roaches, and very large individuals may also eat pinkie and fuzzy mice.
As the bite from this Centipede is reportedly very painful, and because some people may have allergic reactions to the venom, it is wise to take precaution around these animals and never handle them without protection.
The eggs of the Red Headed Centipede are fertilized after the female deposits them. Once they have been fertilized, the female will coil around them and stay coiled around them until they hatch.
