Texas Redheaded Centipede
Species Description

The Texas Redheaded Centipede, scientifically known as Scolopendra heros, carries numerous common names that reflect both its geographic range and striking appearance. Most commonly called the Giant Desert Centipede or Giant Redheaded Centipede, this species is also known as the Arizona Desert Centipede, Giant Sonoran Centipede, and Texas Black-Tailed Centipede, depending on regional populations and color variants.

The scientific name Scolopendra heros was first described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1847, with the genus name Scolopendra derived from the Greek words for "a kind of multipede" and the specific epithet heros meaning "hero" or "warrior," likely referencing the species' impressive size and formidable nature. The most recognizable variant, commonly called the Texas Redheaded Centipede, features the distinctive castaneiceps color morph found primarily in Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, and surrounding areas, characterized by its bright red head contrasting sharply with its greenish-black body.

This naming convention can sometimes cause confusion among hobbyists, as the same species may be sold under different names depending on the locale-specific color variant. However, all these common names refer to the same species, Scolopendra heros, which remains the largest centipede species found in North America and one of the most recognizable invertebrates in the exotic pet trade.

The Texas Redheaded Centipede is a massive, impressive arthropod that commands attention through both its size and coloration. Adult specimens typically reach 6.5 inches in length, though individuals of 8 inches are common, and exceptional specimens can exceed 9 inches when measured from the head to the tip of the tail. This makes S. heros not only the largest centipede in North America but also one of the largest members of the genus Scolopendra worldwide.

The most striking feature of the castaneiceps variant is its vibrant aposematic coloring, which serves as a warning to potential predators. The head and first two body segments display various shades of red ranging from bright crimson to deep rust-orange, while the remaining body segments are black with distinct traces of greenish or bluish iridescence visible under proper lighting. This dramatic color contrast makes identification unmistakable and serves as an honest advertisement of the centipede's defensive capabilities and venomous nature.

The body consists of 21 or 23 pairs of legs, depending on the individual, with the first 20 pairs being bright yellow or gold in color, creating another striking contrast against the dark body. The final pair of legs, however, are black and notably longer than the others, often held extended behind the body and used as sensory appendages rather than for locomotion. These posterior legs can be mistaken for antennae by casual observers, adding to the centipede's alien appearance.

The head bears two antennae used for sensing the environment, and the first pair of body appendages are modified into powerful forcipules—venomous pincers that the centipede uses to capture and subdue prey. These forcipules are connected to venom glands and are capable of delivering a medically significant bite to humans. The body segments are protected by chitinous plates called tergites, which overlap to provide both protection and flexibility during the centipede's serpentine movements through substrate and over terrain.

The Texas Redheaded Centipede is renowned among invertebrate keepers as one of the most defensive and aggressive species in the hobby. Unlike some invertebrates that may tolerate occasional disturbance, S. heros demonstrates consistent defensive behavior when threatened, readily assuming threat postures with the anterior portion of the body raised and forcipules spread wide. These threat displays are not bluffs—the centipede will strike with remarkable speed and precision if the perceived threat continues.

Their speed and agility are truly impressive and often underestimated by those unfamiliar with large centipedes. When hunting or feeling threatened, S. heros can move with explosive bursts of speed that make them extremely difficult to track visually. This lightning-fast movement, combined with their defensive nature, makes any enclosure maintenance a task requiring extreme caution and proper tools. Many experienced keepers report that even after years of working with this species, they maintain a healthy respect for its speed and defensive capabilities.

In the wild, S. heros are solitary, territorial predators that show no social tolerance for conspecifics outside of brief breeding encounters. In captivity, they maintain this solitary nature and must be housed individually to prevent fatal confrontations. They are opportunistic ambush predators, often lying in wait near burrow entrances or beneath cover, striking at passing prey with their venomous forcipules before dragging the subdued victim to a secure location to consume.

Interestingly, female S. heros display complex maternal behaviors rarely seen in centipedes. After laying eggs, females remain coiled around their clutch for the approximately two-month incubation period, actively defending the eggs from any threats and regularly cleaning them to prevent contamination. This level of parental investment requires the female to forgo feeding for extended periods, demonstrating a fascinating aspect of centipede biology that challenges common assumptions about simple invertebrate behavior patterns.

While they are primarily nocturnal in the wild, captive specimens may occasionally be observed during daylight hours, particularly during feeding time or when environmental conditions in their burrows become uncomfortable. However, they remain strongly photophobic and prefer the security of dark, enclosed spaces during inactive periods.

Housing a Texas Redheaded Centipede requires careful attention to security, as these escape artists are surprisingly capable of finding any weakness in enclosure construction. A 10-gallon glass terrarium or secure plastic enclosure provides adequate space for an adult specimen, though larger is always better. The enclosure should be at least twice the length of the centipede in both length and width dimensions, with height being less critical since these are primarily terrestrial and fossorial animals.

The most critical aspect of the enclosure is escape prevention. S. heros can squeeze through surprisingly small openings and are capable of climbing smooth surfaces when motivated. All ventilation holes must be screened with fine mesh that the centipede cannot breach, and any lid must fit securely with no gaps and preferably with locking mechanisms or weights to prevent the centipede from pushing it open. Many keepers prefer to use plastic storage containers with drilled ventilation holes, as these provide excellent security while allowing for easy viewing and maintenance.

Substrate depth is essential for this species' well-being, as they are natural burrowers and spend much of their time underground. Provide 4-6 inches of appropriate substrate such as coconut fiber, topsoil (pesticide and fertilizer-free), or a mixture of both. The substrate should be kept with a moisture gradient—one corner maintained slightly moist while the opposite corner remains dry, allowing the centipede to self-regulate its moisture exposure. Avoid overly wet substrate, as this can lead to fatal fungal infections, but also prevent the substrate from completely drying out.

Décor should be minimal but functional. Provide cork bark, flat stones, or commercial hides to give the centipede security and additional burrowing opportunities. Live plants are not recommended due to the difficulty of maintaining them under the lighting and moisture conditions suitable for centipedes, and the risk of pesticides or fertilizers is too high. Artificial plants may be used for visual appeal but are not necessary for the centipede's welfare.

Temperature should be maintained between 75-85°F, which is typically achievable with room temperature in most homes. If supplemental heating is needed, use an under-tank heater on one side of the enclosure to create a thermal gradient, but never use overhead heat lamps as these dry out the enclosure too quickly. Monitor temperature with reliable thermometers placed at substrate level where the centipede actually lives.

Humidity management requires attention but not extreme measures. Maintain 60-70% humidity through a combination of substrate moisture, a small shallow water dish, and light misting 2-3 times per week. Never mist directly onto the centipede, as this often provokes defensive responses. Instead, mist the substrate in the moister corner of the enclosure. A digital hygrometer helps monitor humidity levels accurately.

Water should always be available in a shallow, heavy dish that cannot be tipped over. The dish should be shallow enough that the centipede cannot drown and should be cleaned and refilled with dechlorinated water regularly. Centipedes will drink from the dish and may also use it to regulate their moisture levels.

The Texas Redheaded Centipede is an opportunistic carnivore with a powerful predatory drive and a robust feeding response that makes nutrition management straightforward for keepers. In the wild, S. heros preys upon a wide variety of arthropods including crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, moths, and other invertebrates, as well as small vertebrates such as lizards, frogs, and even small rodents when the opportunity presents itself.

In captivity, the diet typically consists of appropriately-sized feeder insects such as crickets, Dubia roaches, discoid roaches, superworms, and mealworms. Adult centipedes can easily handle adult crickets and large roaches, while juveniles should be offered prey proportional to their size—generally nothing larger than half the centipede's body width. Many keepers find that Dubia roaches provide excellent nutrition and are less likely to injure or stress the centipede compared to crickets, which may nibble on a molting or inactive centipede.

Larger adult specimens can be offered pinkie mice or small lizards occasionally as a source of variety and additional nutrition, though these should be considered supplemental treats rather than staple diet items. Some keepers prefer to avoid vertebrate prey due to the messy nature of feeding and the ethical considerations involved. It's important to note that feeding vertebrates to invertebrates should always be done with pre-killed prey to prevent injury to the centipede from a desperate, defensive prey animal.

Feeding frequency depends on the centipede's age and size. Juveniles may be fed every 3-4 days to support rapid growth, while adults typically need feeding only once per week to once every 10 days. These centipedes have slow metabolisms and can survive for extended periods without food if necessary—some adults may refuse food for weeks before molting and this is completely normal behavior. However, regular feeding schedules help maintain the centipede's health and vigor.

Critically important is the removal of uneaten prey items. Any live prey left in the enclosure for more than 24 hours should be removed, as hungry crickets or roaches may attack a molting or inactive centipede, potentially causing fatal injuries. This is particularly crucial during the molting period when the centipede is completely vulnerable. Use feeding tongs or forceps to place prey in the enclosure, both to avoid accidental contact with the centipede and to position the prey where the centipede is likely to encounter it quickly.

Some keepers prefer to offer food in the early evening hours when the centipede is becoming active, which can increase the likelihood of an immediate feeding response and reduce the time live prey remains in the enclosure. Observing feeding behavior also provides valuable information about the centipede's health status—a healthy S. heros typically strikes prey aggressively and feeds with enthusiasm.

Texas Redheaded Centipedes are generally hardy animals when provided with appropriate environmental conditions, but like all invertebrates, they are susceptible to several health issues primarily related to husbandry errors. Their chitinous exoskeleton provides excellent protection against injury, but it also means that internal health problems are difficult to detect until they become severe. Prevention through proper care is always preferable to attempting to treat a sick centipede, as veterinary options for invertebrates are extremely limited and most medications used for vertebrates are toxic to arthropods.

The best approach to centipede health is prevention through excellent husbandry. If health issues do arise, consultation with an exotic veterinarian experienced in invertebrate care may provide guidance, though treatment options are limited. Most health problems in captive centipedes result from environmental issues rather than infectious diseases, making proper enclosure setup and maintenance the most critical factor in keeping healthy specimens.

It cannot be overstated: Texas Redheaded Centipedes should never be handled directly under any circumstances. This is not a species that tolerates or benefits from handling, and every interaction represents a significant risk of serious envenomation to the keeper and extreme stress or injury to the centipede. These are strictly display animals meant to be observed and appreciated from outside their enclosure, and anyone considering this species should be comfortable with this fundamental limitation.

The venom of S. heros is medically significant and can cause severe local pain, extensive swelling, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and in rare cases more serious complications including lymphangitis, localized necrosis, and even cardiac or kidney issues in sensitive individuals or with severe envenomations. The bite is often compared to a severe wasp sting but can be considerably worse, with pain lasting for hours and swelling persisting for days. Individuals with insect allergies may experience more severe reactions and should exercise extreme caution or avoid keeping this species entirely.

All enclosure maintenance and rehousing must be performed using tools—never hands. Long feeding tongs, paintbrushes, and plastic containers are essential equipment for centipede keepers. When rehousing or cleaning, use a soft paintbrush to gently coax the centipede into a secure container, then transfer the container to the new or cleaned enclosure. Multiple secure containers are helpful as they allow you to safely contain the centipede while working on its permanent enclosure.

The centipede's speed cannot be overestimated. Even experienced keepers with years of invertebrate experience report being surprised by the explosive bursts of speed these animals can achieve when motivated. This speed, combined with their defensive nature, means that even planned, careful maintenance can become dangerous in a fraction of a second. Always work slowly, deliberately, and with escape prevention as the primary concern—perform maintenance over a bathtub or contained space where an escaped centipede can be more easily located and recaptured.

If a bite does occur, the affected area should be cleaned thoroughly and ice may be applied to reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain medication may help manage discomfort. However, if severe symptoms develop including difficulty breathing, severe swelling beyond the immediate bite area, extreme pain, or signs of allergic reaction, immediate medical attention should be sought. Take photos of the centipede if possible to aid in medical identification and treatment decisions.

The Texas Redheaded Centipede is not a species for beginners to invertebrate keeping, nor is it appropriate for casual interest in exotic pets. This species demands respect, experience, and a clear understanding of the risks involved in maintaining a large, fast, defensive arthropod with medically significant venom. Prospective keepers should have substantial prior experience with other invertebrates and a proven track record of responsible husbandry before considering S. heros.

This species excels as a display animal for experienced keepers who appreciate the raw predatory power and striking appearance of these magnificent arthropods. Watching a healthy Texas Redheaded Centipede move through its substrate, hunt prey, or simply rest with its impressive size and coloration fully visible can be deeply rewarding for those who understand and accept the species' limitations as a hands-off pet. These are animals to observe and admire, not to interact with physically.

Households with children should carefully consider whether this species is appropriate. While a secure enclosure prevents direct contact, children's natural curiosity and tendency toward impulsive actions create additional risk factors. Similarly, homes with other pets that might knock over or open enclosures require special security considerations. The potential consequences of an escape are serious—not only for the keeper but for household members and even neighboring households if the centipede leaves the property.

Legal considerations vary by location. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit ownership of venomous invertebrates, while others require permits or have specific housing requirements. Always research and comply with local, state, and federal regulations before acquiring this species. Additionally, housing situations such as apartments or rental properties may have restrictions on exotic pets that could impact your ability to legally keep these centipedes.

Potential keepers should also consider the long-term commitment involved. With lifespans of 5-10 years, these centipedes require consistent care, secure housing, and regular feeding for their entire lives. They cannot be easily rehomed if circumstances change, and responsible ownership means planning for the animal's welfare even during vacations, moves, or other life changes. For those willing to meet these demands, the Texas Redheaded Centipede offers a glimpse into the power and beauty of one of North America's most impressive arthropods.