Scolopender (centipedes)

Chilopoda

Insect with chitinous carapace
Crawling, poisonous

Annoying pest

Scolopenders are large, poisonous centipedes. For people with allergies, heart failure, the elderly or children, a scolopene sting can be fatal and very painful.

Acetylcholine, serotonin and histamine can be components of scolopene venoms. Some species also produce prussic acid. For a strong, healthy adult, the toxic effects are usually not life-threatening, but can be very unpleasant and painful. The bite site usually swells up a lot, causing very severe pain and radiating to the whole body. In addition, depending on the type and dose of the venom, it can lead to paralysis lasting several days. The venom also often causes nausea, dizziness and numbness at the site of the bite. In rare cases, breathing problems and cardiac arrhythmia can also occur. It is recommended that especially sick and weak people as well as children and elderly people consult a doctor. Necrosis can also occur below the bite site, which must be treated urgently. As with all bites, there is a risk of blood poisoning.

MORE DATA

Class: Centipedes
Size: 1 to 30cm
Weight: Variable
Appearance: Red-brown-black
Food: Animal food, carrion
Distribution: Worldwide, approx. 3’000 species
Original location: Unknown
Sleep-wake rhythm: Nocturnal
Habitat: Humid environment
Natural enemies: Several bird species, scorpions, various reptiles such as turtles, iguanas and caimans.
Threatened with extinction: No

Scolopenders are generally found worldwide outside the Arctic Circle and inhabit many different habitats, from tropical rainforests to deserts. They need a humid environment and are influenced by the humidity in their habitat. During the day, they are usually hidden under leaves, rocks or underground. Compost and rotting wood can also serve as shelter. These animals are afraid of light and, after being scared away, quickly seek darkness during the day.
At night, as active hunters, they carry out long and extensive raids, chasing their prey and overpowering it with lightning speed. In doing so, they move forward like snakes. They bite the prey, wrapping their legs around it to hold it tight. Strong venom can lead to the death of the prey. They reach very high speeds and are very flexible and agile.
A particularly poisonous representative of the centipede species is the so-called scolopender or scolopendra. This flexible and nimble crawling animal lives in hills, cracks, under rocks and in old leaves. The up to 25cm long scolopender likes moisture and shade. This animal has venomous spines on the front of its body. The immediate consequences of a sting are severe swelling of the puncture site (3 to 5 times larger) and toxicological shock.
Scolopenders are much more aggressive than most other animals. Instead of shying away from harassment and disturbance, they actively attack with venomous bites. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to touch scolopenders with your hands, as they bite very quickly.