Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans

Chinese Red-headed 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 Few-spined Centipede

Observe quietly without disturbance

Species highlights

Antennae explore ahead

The head is more than a marker of the front. Antennae gather cues in dim, substrate-level spaces, while specialised appendages separate predation from walking.

Routes and pauses change with obstacles and context rather than following one fixed script. Recording those details says more than calling the animal fierce or shy.

Following antenna direction, body movement and retreat choices joins anatomical history with the animal’s immediate sensing and action.

Feature sources:

Australian Museum · Centipede anatomy (group-level structure)

At a glance

The Chinese red-headed centipede has a flattened, segmented body with many pairs of legs along its sides. Antennae explore ahead while successive legs carry it through substrate and cover. Forcipules behind the head differ from walking legs, helping grasp prey and deliver venom.

Antennae lead, walking legs transfer the body and forcipules handle prey: different structures coordinate different tasks. Moulting explains another part of the timeline.

The exoskeleton supports its body, while growth requires repeated moults. Exploration, feeding and sheltered moulting pauses are different parts of life. Following antennae, trunk and ultimate legs along a short route reveals a coordinated body rather than merely an intimidating number of legs.

Common names Chinese Red-headed Centipede; Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans; Scolopendra mutilans

Scientific name Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans

Native rangeAssociated with East Asian records; interpret taxonomy and provenance separately. Type locality: Japan

Adult sizeRecord the individual’s body length separately from antennae and ultimate legs

ActivityGround-dwelling, using substrate and cover; explores in darker periods

Diet Offer appropriately sized animal prey such as insects according to intake and condition. House singly, clear leftovers and remove prey around moults; do not hand-feed.

Habitat & care

Provide a moderate air-temperature range, a moist lower substrate layer, drier areas, water and secure escape prevention.

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 21–26°C Based on the mutilans keeper account; do not substitute a hotter tropical centipede scheme.

Humidity60–80% Provide at least 10cm of locally moist substrate, a drier area and water; RH does not replace substrate checks.

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.

Space40×30×35 cm Recommended starting size with movement and escape-prevention clearance; lock the lid, avoid hand contact and remove live prey during moulting.

Look a little closer

Distinguish the antennae in front of the head from the first dorsal plate behind it. Follow a short midbody section as successive legs move. At a turn, compare how the legs on the inner and outer curves find new contacts.

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

About this profile

Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans is also treated as Scolopendra mutilans in some literature; taxonomic treatments differ.

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

References (4)

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.