Caribbean Giant Centipede vs Giant Bess Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Caribbean Giant Centipede Giant Bess Beetle
Scientific Name Scolopendra alternans Passalus punctiger
Order Scolopendromorpha Coleoptera
Family Scolopendridae Passalidae
Size 150-200 mm 35-50 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Wood Feeders
Regions Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Caribbean South America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Caribbean Giant Centipede

A large centipede found across the Caribbean islands with alternating dark and light body segments. It is an aggressive predator of insects and small vertebrates.

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Did You Know?

It can deliver a painful venomous bite that causes intense local swelling.

Giant Bess Beetle

A very large, robust bess beetle with a glossy black exoskeleton and strong mandibles. It creates extensive tunnel systems in large fallen trees. Multiple generations may coexist within a single log.

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Did You Know?

Larvae pupate in protective cases made from frass that parents help construct.