Not furry either, still lovely.
Vietnamese Centipede
Scolopendra subspinipes
Also called Orange-legged Jungle Centipede, Asian Forest Centipede, Black Flame Centipede, Hawaiian Centipede
This centipede is nervous, aggressive and fast.
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in)12 |
| Lifespan | 10 years13 |
| Coat | Exoskeleton |
| Origin | Southeastern Asia, but now found across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide including parts of Africa, Australia, South America, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. Its wide distribution is partly due to human introduction.12 |
| Last checked | 2026-11-04 |
Personality what they are like
This centipede is nervous, aggressive and fast. It will bite if disturbed or threatened, and its venom causes intense pain and swelling in humans. It is not a pet for beginners and should never be handled.12
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Vietnamese Centipede. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Looks how to spot one
exoskeleton
The body is long and segmented, with 18 to 19 pairs of legs. The head and first body segment are often a different colour from the rest. The exoskeleton is smooth and shiny.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Nocturnal and solitary. It needs a secure, escape-proof enclosure with plenty of hiding places and a temperature of 24-29°C (75-85°F).43
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Minimal grooming. The enclosure should be spot-cleaned regularly and uneaten prey removed within 24 hours. A shallow water dish should be provided. Moulting requires high humidity and a stress-free environment.4
Home where they are happiest
A terrestrial enclosure with a locking lid (glass or acrylic) to prevent escape. Minimum floor space 30 x 20 cm (12 x 8 inches) for an adult. Substrate of coconut fibre or soil kept slightly damp. Provide hides such as cork bark or leaf litter. Temperature 24-29°C, humidity 70-80%.43
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivorous. Feeds on insects (crickets, roaches, superworms), and occasionally small vertebrates like pinky mice. Adults eat 2-3 prey items every 5-7 days; juveniles every 3-4 days. Always use long feeding tongs.41
Company who they like around
Solitary and cannibalistic. Must be housed alone. It is venomous and can inflict a painful bite; keepers should exercise extreme caution. In some regions it may be regulated or illegal to keep; always check local laws.21
The story where it all began
Scolopendra subspinipes was first described by Leach in 1815. It has been kept as a pet by experienced arthropod enthusiasts for many years due to its striking appearance and hardy nature. In some cultures it was also used as a traditional food source, for example by Aboriginal Australians.12
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Vietnamese Centipede?
Adults should be fed 2-3 prey items every 5-7 days, while juveniles need feeding every 3-4 days. Always use long feeding tongs to avoid bites. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests feeding based on species, size and moult stage.41 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Vietnamese Centipede eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats insects like crickets, roaches and superworms, and occasionally small vertebrates such as pinky mice. Never feed it anything that could harm it; stick to appropriate prey and always remove uneaten food within 24 hours.41
How much space does a Vietnamese Centipede need?
An adult needs a minimum floor space of 30 x 20 cm (12 x 8 inches) in a secure, escape-proof glass or acrylic enclosure with a locking lid. Provide a damp substrate of coconut fibre or soil and plenty of hides like cork bark.43
What temperature, light or water does a Vietnamese Centipede need?
Keep the temperature between 24-29°C (75-85°F) with humidity at 70-80%. Provide a shallow water dish and ensure the substrate stays slightly damp. No special lighting is needed as it is nocturnal.43
How often should I clean a Vietnamese Centipede's home?
Spot-clean the enclosure weekly, removing uneaten prey and waste. Pet Wiki's plan suggests a full substrate change every 180 days. Always leave the centipede undisturbed during moulting.4 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Vietnamese Centipede live with others?
No, it is solitary and cannibalistic, so it must be housed alone. It is also venomous and can inflict a painful bite, so extreme caution is needed. Check local laws as it may be regulated or illegal in some areas.21
How long does a Vietnamese Centipede live?
It can live up to 10 years with proper care. This is a long-term commitment, so be prepared for its needs throughout its life.13
Can I handle a Vietnamese Centipede?
No, it should never be handled. It is nervous, aggressive and fast, and its bite causes intense pain and swelling. Always use long feeding tongs and keep the enclosure secure.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- en.wikipedia.org: Scolopendra subspinipes en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, length cm, lifespan years, colours, temperament, diet basics, social needs, history, fun fact
- animal-world.com: vietnamese centipede animal-world.comused for origin, length cm, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, social needs, history
- extento.hawaii.edu: Centip extento.hawaii.eduused for lifespan years, activity needs, habitat needs
- getlivebugs.com: vietnamese centipede getlivebugs.comused for activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov: PMC4926625 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pethelpful.com: vietnamese centipede care and maintenence pethelpful.comused for fun fact
- itis.gov: SingleRpt itis.gov
- inaturalist.org: 53769 Scolopendra subspinipes inaturalist.org
Checked 2026-11-04. Text is written in our own words from these sources.