Range

This species of centipede has a wide range across much of the Earth. They can be found in Asia, South America, Australia and Africa. They are found on many islands throughout the Indian ocean along with the island of Hawaii.

Habitat

They can be found in a range of tropical, subtropical and temperate areas.

Asian giant centipedes will shelter under stones or wood, in crevices or among leaf litter.

-- AD --

Reproduction

Breeding is variable across their range. In tropical areas it seems to occur year round.

The male and female come together for mating. He will deposit his sperm cells in a reservoir in the female. She will then use this to fertilize the eggs.

Her eggs are deposited in to a dark, protected area and she will guard them till she hatches.

It will take three or four years for them to reach their adult size.

Behavior

As they grow the Asian giant centipede will shed its cuticle or outer body covering to expand their body. Adults perform this once a year while juveniles do it more often.

Adult centipedes are solitary only coming together to mate.

Most of their activity takes place at night.

Predators and Threats

Humans impact them through collection for the pet trade and in some areas they may be eaten.

Some unconfirmed reports of humans dying after being bitten by an Asian giant centipede do exist.

Quick facts

They have a range of alternative names including Asian forest centipede, Vietnamese centipede and orange-legged jungle centipede.

Some people keep them as pets.