Giant Desert Centipede
Scolopendra heros

This amazing arthropod hides during the hot day and emerges at night to hunt. It is quick and agile. Its fore legs are stout, powerfully muscled and have claws modified for injecting venom. These help subdue prey or defend against larger predators. Though ‘centipede’ means 100 legs, it actually has only about 40 legs.

Fact File

Ecological Role: Predator

Habitat: Desert and arid scrubland

Adult Lifespan: 5 yrs

Prey: Insects and tiny rodents