The common name of Scolopendra Subspinipes is the Chinese red headed centipede. They can reach up to nineteen inches long. They have twenty one body segments. Each body segment has two legs. They are usually dark in color. Most are brownish or reddish brown although some can be found a yellow or gold color. Centipedes have a pair of poison claws formed from their first appendage or body segment. They are easily identified by their long slender bodies with legs all down the sides.

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The Scolopendra Subspinipes are found throughout the world’s tropical and subtropical areas. They can be found places like Southeast Asia. They are also found in Hawaii. They do well in that type of ecosystem because it is warm and moist. Centipedes like to hide in places that are dark and damp during the day. They are most active at night.

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The Scolopendra Subspinipes is not an endangered species. Human beings do contribute to changing their population by building in the areas where the centipedes live. This disturbs their habitat. Centipedes are predators. They eat small insects, spiders, earthworms, and other arthropods. They feed by grabbing the prey with their claws and injecting venom.

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They compete with birds, rodents, and other small creatures for their food. Centipedes try to keep from being eaten by hiding under leaves and rocks. The female centipede protects her eggs until they hatch. Centipedes molt once each year. They take about four years to get to their full adult size. They live for about 10 years.

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Author: CJ A.

Published: 03/2008

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Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_centipede http://animal-world.com/encyclo/reptiles/centipedes/ VietnameseCentipede.php

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Photo Credit: http://www.swiftinverts.com/pix/Ssub.jpg