scolopendrid centipede

arthropod

Also known as: Scolopendrida, Scolopendromorpha

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July 13, 2026

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The term "scolopendrid centipede" refers to a type of centipede belonging to the family Scolopendridae. Centipedes, in general, are long, flattened, many-segmented arthropods where each segment, except the last two, has one pair of legs. They are predaceous, meaning they hunt and capture other invertebrates, and possess venomous claws behind their head for subduing prey.

The family Scolopendridae includes some of the largest centipedes, found primarily in tropical regions. For example, Scolopendra gigantea can reach up to 11 inches in length and is capable of inflicting severe bites. Centipedes are often grouped with millipedes in the superclass Myriopoda.1

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centipede
The order Scolopendrida, or Scolopendromorpha, of the tropics contains the largest centipedes, with Scolopendra gigantea of the American tropics reaching a length of 280 mm (11 inches). These forms are capable of inflicting severe bites. Scolopendrids, as well as the geophilids, have relatively slow and sinuous movements.
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The order Scolopendrida, or Scolopendromorpha, of the tropics contains the largest centipedes, with Scolopendra gigantea of the American tropics reaching a length of 280 mm (11 inches). These forms are capable of inflicting severe bites. Scolopendrids, as well as the geophilids, have relatively slow and sinuous movements.
Read More