What is the scientific name of the Tiger Centipede?

The scientific name of the Tiger Centipede is Scolopendra polymorpha.

What are other common names for the Tiger Centipede?

The Tiger Centipede is also known as Common desert centipede, Banded desert centipede, and Sonoran desert centipede.

Where are Tiger Centipedes native to?

Tiger Centipedes are native to Southwestern United States, Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Mexico.

How big do Tiger Centipedes get?

Adult Tiger Centipedes typically reach 4-6 inches.

How long do Tiger Centipedes live?

Tiger Centipedes live about 5-7 years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Tiger Centipede need?

Recommended temperatures for a Tiger Centipede: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and No basking spot.

What humidity does a Tiger Centipede need?

Tiger Centipedes need 70-80% humidity.

Do Tiger Centipedes need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Tiger Centipedes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a Tiger Centipede need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Tiger Centipede: Adult: 12”x12”x12” (minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size and activity level.

What do Tiger Centipedes eat?

Tiger Centipedes eat: Carnivores; Insects; Invertebrates.

Are Tiger Centipedes good for beginners?

Tiger Centipedes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate/Advanced for keeper experience.

Are Tiger Centipedes nocturnal or diurnal?

Tiger Centipedes are nocturnal (active at night).

What is Tiger Centipede behavior like?

Common Tiger Centipede behavior traits: New World; Quick moving; Venomous; Burrowing; Build elaborate tunnel systems; Solitary; Can be defensive: rear up, display their forcipules; May bite if provoked, injecting venom that can cause pain and discomfort; Always provide water dish.

Do Tiger Centipedes lay eggs?

Yes. Tiger Centipedes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Tiger Centipede lay?

A Tiger Centipede clutch is typically 15-60 eggs.

What is the best substrate for juvenile Tiger Centipedes?

Recommended substrates for juvenile Tiger Centipedes: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.

What is the best enclosure for a Tiger Centipede?

Recommended enclosures for Tiger Centipedes by age. Sub-adult: HabiStat 12" Glass Terrariums. Adult: HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums.

Tiger Centipede

Common Name(s)	Tiger centipede Common desert centipede Banded desert centipede Sonoran desert centipede
Scientific Name	Scolopendra polymorpha
Behavior	Nocturnal (active during night) New World Quick moving Venomous Burrowing Build elaborate tunnel systems Solitary Can be defensive: rear up, display their forcipules May bite if provoked, injecting venom that can cause pain and discomfort Always provide water dish
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Clutch size: 15-60
Lifespan	~5-7 years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-85°F warm side No basking spot
Humidity	70-80%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	4-6 inches
Enclosure Recommendations	Adult: 12”x12”x12” (minimum) Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size and activity level.
Experience Level	Intermediate/Advanced *Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Carnivores Insects Invertebrates

Filter by age:

Best Substrates for Adult Tiger Centipedes

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 12 Quart

Best Enclosures for Adult Tiger Centipedes

HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums: 18x18x18, 25 Gallon Terrarium

Best Substrates for Subadult Tiger Centipedes

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 12 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult Tiger Centipedes

HabiStat 12" Glass Terrariums: 12x12x13, 7 Gallon Terrarium

The Tiger Centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) is a fascinating arthropod species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. One notable feature of these centipedes is their striking appearance, characterized by a distinctive pattern of yellow or orange bands alternating with dark brown or black segments along their bodies. This coloration serves as a warning to potential predators, signaling their ability to defend themselves with venomous forcipules located near their mouthparts. Despite their fearsome appearance, the venom of Scolopendra polymorpha is typically mild to humans, causing localized pain and swelling similar to a bee sting.

In addition to their vibrant coloration, Tiger Centipedes are skilled nocturnal hunters. They use their excellent sense of touch and sight to detect vibrations and movement of prey, which primarily consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Scolopendra polymorpha are adept predators, swiftly immobilizing their prey with venom and powerful mandibles before consuming them whole. Their role as efficient predators helps control insect populations in their native habitats, contributing to the ecological balance of desert and semi-arid environments. Furthermore, these centipedes exhibit fascinating behaviors such as burrowing to escape extreme temperatures during the day and constructing temporary shelters using soil and debris. Studying Scolopendra polymorpha provides insights into predator-prey dynamics and adaptation strategies in arid ecosystems, showcasing their evolutionary success in harsh desert landscapes.

Native Range

Southwestern United States

Arizona
California

New Mexico

Mexico

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Common Tiger Centipede ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Tiger Centipede is Scolopendra polymorpha.
: The Tiger Centipede is also known as Common desert centipede, Banded desert centipede, and Sonoran desert centipede.
: Tiger Centipedes are native to Southwestern United States, Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Mexico.
: Adult Tiger Centipedes typically reach 4-6 inches.
: Tiger Centipedes live about 5-7 years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Tiger Centipede: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and No basking spot.
: Tiger Centipedes need 70-80% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Tiger Centipedes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Tiger Centipede: Adult: 12”x12”x12” (minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size and activity level.
: Tiger Centipedes eat: Carnivores; Insects; Invertebrates.
: Tiger Centipedes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate/Advanced for keeper experience.
: Tiger Centipedes are nocturnal (active at night).
: Common Tiger Centipede behavior traits: New World; Quick moving; Venomous; Burrowing; Build elaborate tunnel systems; Solitary; Can be defensive: rear up, display their forcipules; May bite if provoked, injecting venom that can cause pain and discomfort; Always provide water dish.
: Yes. Tiger Centipedes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Tiger Centipede clutch is typically 15-60 eggs.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Tiger Centipedes: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Tiger Centipedes: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Tiger Centipedes: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended enclosures for Tiger Centipedes by age. Sub-adult: HabiStat 12" Glass Terrariums. Adult: HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums.