Scolopendra hainanum

Chinese Tiger Centipede

Many pairs of legs work together while antennae explore ahead.

Reference photo, not the individual on display. Credits appear below.

Care commitment Specialist setup

Habitat Ground & cover

Visiting Observe only

Meet your new acquaintance

Nickname Black-legged Centipede

Observe quietly without disturbance

Species highlights

One pair along each leg-bearing segment

The legs do not rise and land all at once. Sequential movements maintain multiple contact points, building forward travel from many small steps.

Their arrangement differs from the two pairs on most millipede diplosegments; superficially similar long bodies belong to different classes.

Following a short section turns visual complexity into ordered movement, connecting memorable leg bands with the segmented body that actually travels.

Feature sources:

Australian Museum · Centipedes and millipedes (group-level anatomy)

At a glance

Scolopendra hainanum was originally described from specimens collected in Hainan, China, with body length reported at about 23 cm. Dark dorsal plates and banded legs are conspicuous. Antennae explore ahead while successive legs carry the body across substrate and through sheltered gaps.

Antennae, head plate, dorsal plates and ultimate legs explain more than leg colour. Successive contact points support quick movement through substrate and cover.

Moulting adds a developmental timeline. The original Hainan description establishes a taxonomic reference, while each captive individual still needs provenance; anatomy and observation must be connected without merging every dark centipede.

Common names Scolopendra hainanum; Chinese Tiger Centipede; black-legged centipede

Scientific name Scolopendra hainanum

Native rangeDescribed from Hainan, China; a trade name does not establish the individual’s locality

Adult sizeOriginal description reports body length up to about 23 cm, excluding antennae and ultimate legs

ActivityGround-dwelling, using substrate and shelter; active in darker periods

Diet Use appropriately sized animal prey such as insects, record intake and remove leftovers. House singly, prevent escapes and remove prey around moults; maintenance belongs with experienced tool users.

Habitat & care

Provide species-based climate choices in secure individual housing, with locked lids and tool-based maintenance.

Values guide routine care, not breeding or brumation. Dimensions are length × width × height for one adult unless stated otherwise; larger animals need more space.

TemperatureDaytime air 24–29°C Avoid direct sun and strong underfloor heat; retain a cooler side and sheltered retreats.

Humidity70–80% Care-guide reference; keep the lower part of 10–15cm substrate moist, not waterlogged, with secure ventilation and drinking water.

LightingDay–night cycle and shelter Do not apply a lizard UVI or hot basking prescription. Retain dark retreats and avoid strong direct light or sun-induced overheating.

Space45×30×40 cm Recommended one-adult starting size; secure lid and vents, keep furnishings away from the lid and use tools for maintenance.

Look a little closer

Inspect the light and dark bands on one leg and find its connection beside a dorsal plate. Broaden the view to neighbouring legs and follow the sequence. Over a small obstacle, watch the front rise and later segments and legs follow.

Care note: Until species and origin are confirmed, use a care plan based on verified individual records.

About this profile

The scientific name is Scolopendra hainanum. Leg colour varies with individual and stage and is insufficient on its own for identification.

Profile status: Reference profile · Reviewed 2026-10-20

References (3)

Photo: A species-verified photo is pending.

Behaviour notes describe the species, not a promise about every individual. These care notes introduce its needs; ask our team about the animal on display and any supervised encounters.