AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Scolopendra gigantea
Amazonian Giant Centipede
Linnaeus, 1758
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A massive arthropod with a flattened body consisting of 21 to 23 reddish-brown or copper segments, each with one pair of yellow-tinted legs. It is the largest living centipede in the world.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Chilopoda
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Scolopendromorpha
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Scolopendridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Scolopendra
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1758
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits tropical rainforests, dry forests, and scrublands in northern South America and the Caribbean. Typically found hidden under rocks, in rotting logs, and deep within leaf litter.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A nocturnal and highly aggressive predator. It relies heavily on its antennae to locate prey since its eyesight is poor, responding rapidly to vibrations and chemical cues in its environment.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Strictly solitary and highly territorial. They will often act aggressively or cannibalize other centipedes if they cross paths.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Carnivore / Active apex micro-predator.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Preys on large insects, spiders, scorpions, frogs, lizards, small birds, rodents, and bats. Hunted by owls, large snakes, and mammals such as coatis.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Males leave a spermatophore for the female to find and take up. The female lays her eggs in a dark, moist cavity and wraps her entire body around them to fiercely protect the brood until their first molt.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
20.0 - 30.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
15 g - 50 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.15 - 50
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
12 - 36 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
30 - 60
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 10 Years
Females5 - 10 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are generally smaller, slightly narrower, and somewhat lighter in weight compared to mature females.
Females Multi-lang
Females are bulkier, significantly larger in maximum length, and have wider body segments, particularly to accommodate egg development.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Has a modified first pair of legs known as forcipules that act as venomous fangs, capable of piercing tough skin and delivering a highly potent venom.
An extremely fast runner with a highly articulated body, allowing it to navigate complex subterranean environments and easily climb vertical surfaces.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat destruction due to deforestation and land clearing for agriculture.
Frequently collected from the wild for the international exotic pet trade due to its impressive size and striking appearance.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They are known to climb cave walls and hang upside down from the ceiling to catch and consume bats directly out of the air mid-flight.