If you’re afraid of creepy crawlies, this impressive creature is not one you want to encounter. The Amazonian giant centipede is a creature straight out of a nightmare, but it’s also one of the most fascinating predators in the animal kingdom. Known for its incredible size and striking appearance, this creepy-crawly is fascinating. Found in the rainforests of South America and the Caribbean, it’s a skilled hunter with some truly unusual traits. While most of us might give centipedes a wide berth, these misunderstood creatures have plenty of secrets worth exploring. From their unique hunting methods to their unexpected habitats, here are 15 surprising facts about the Amazonian giant centipede that will make you see them in a whole new light. I still wouldn’t want to meet one of these predatory arthropods up close, though!
1. They Can Grow to Over a Foot Long
The Amazonian giant centipede isn’t your average garden bug. These centipedes can reach lengths of up to 12 inches, though some have been recorded at nearly 14 inches. Their elongated bodies are made up of around 20 to 23 segments, each equipped with a pair of legs. This size makes them the largest centipedes in the world. In comparison, most centipede species average just a few inches, making this giant a true standout in its family.
2. They Are Ferocious Hunters
These centipedes are expert predators, hunting everything from insects to small vertebrates. Their powerful front legs are modified into venomous claws called forcipules, which they use to subdue prey. Their menu includes lizards, frogs, birds, and even mice, making them one of the top invertebrate predators in their environment. Once they latch onto their prey, they inject venom quickly, ensuring it has little chance of escape.
3. They Can Climb Walls and Ceilings
The Amazonian giant centipede’s legs are tipped with tiny hooks, allowing them to climb vertical surfaces and even hang upside down. This skill makes them incredibly versatile hunters, as they can pursue prey in trees, caves, and crevices where other predators can’t reach. Their climbing ability also helps them evade threats, such as predators or environmental dangers, by seeking refuge in high, inaccessible spots.
4. They Use Venom to Paralyse Their Prey
Their venom isn’t just a tool for killing—it also paralyses their prey, making it easier to consume. The venom contains a mix of toxins that affect the nervous system, and while it’s not usually fatal to humans, it can cause intense pain and swelling. For smaller prey, the venom works almost instantly, leaving the centipede free to eat without a struggle.
5. They Hunt Bats in Mid-Air
In a feat that seems almost impossible, Amazonian giant centipedes have been observed catching bats. They cling to cave ceilings and wait for an unsuspecting bat to fly by, then use their legs to snatch it out of the air. Once they have the bat in their grip, they inject venom and hold on tight, even as the bat tries to escape.
6. Their Bite Packs a Painful Punch
A bite from an Amazonian giant centipede is said to feel like a burning sensation combined with sharp pain. While the venom isn’t lethal to humans, the symptoms can last for hours or even days, including swelling, redness, and discomfort. In rare cases, the venom can cause more serious reactions, especially in people with allergies or compromised immune systems.
7. They Can Swim Surprisingly Well
You might not expect a centipede to be comfortable in water, but the Amazonian giant centipede is an excellent swimmer. It can navigate streams and ponds with ease, which helps it reach new hunting grounds and escape predators. Their swimming ability also makes them more adaptable to sudden floods or changes in their environment, common in tropical regions.
8. They Are Masters of Ambush
These centipedes rely on stealth and speed to catch their prey. They use their long antennae to detect vibrations and movements, allowing them to strike with pinpoint accuracy. Their ambush tactics make them one of the most efficient predators in their habitat. Once they spot a target, they can move with lightning speed, often catching their prey before it realises the danger.
9. They Can Live for Up to 10 Years
In the wild, Amazonian giant centipedes have a surprisingly long lifespan for an invertebrate. They can live for up to a decade, provided they avoid predators and harsh environmental conditions. In captivity, with proper care and a stable food supply, they’ve been known to live even longer.
10. Their Colouration Acts as a Warning
These centipedes are often a reddish-brown colour with bright yellow legs. This striking appearance serves as a warning to potential predators, signalling that they are venomous and dangerous to approach. Predators that ignore the warning may quickly regret their decision, as the centipede’s venom can leave a lasting impression.
11. They Are Found in Caves as Well as Forests
While they are most commonly associated with rainforests, Amazonian giant centipedes are also found in caves. These dark, damp environments provide an ideal hunting ground, as they are often home to bats and other small creatures. The lack of light gives the centipede an edge, as its highly sensitive antennae help it navigate and detect prey with ease.
12. Their Legs Double as Weapons
In addition to their venomous claws, these centipedes use their many legs as weapons. The sharp, hooked ends can pierce and hold onto prey, ensuring it doesn’t escape during a struggle. This multitasking ability allows them to restrain prey while simultaneously delivering venom through their forcipules.
13. They Are Surprisingly Fragile
Despite their intimidating appearance, Amazonian giant centipedes are quite delicate. Their long bodies can be injured easily, and they rely heavily on their environment for protection. This vulnerability often makes them targets for larger animals, particularly birds, which have been known to swoop down and snatch them up.
14. They Shed Their Skin to Grow
Like other arthropods, Amazonian giant centipedes shed their exoskeletons as they grow. This process, called moulting, happens several times throughout their life and allows them to replace damaged body parts if necessary. During moulting, they are especially vulnerable to predators, as their new exoskeleton takes time to harden.
15. They Are Cannibals
Amazonian giant centipedes aren’t picky eaters—even their own kind isn’t safe. When food is scarce, they’ve been known to hunt and consume smaller centipedes, making them both predator and prey within their species. This behaviour is particularly common in confined spaces where competition for food is fierce.
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