New Zealand Giant Centipede vs Caribbean Giant Centipede

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Giant Centipede Caribbean Giant Centipede
Scientific Name Cormocephalus rubriceps Scolopendra alternans
Order Scolopendromorpha Scolopendromorpha
Family Scolopendridae Scolopendridae
Size 100-160 mm 150-200 mm
Habitat Heathland Woodlands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Oceania (New Zealand) Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

New Zealand Giant Centipede

New Zealand's largest centipede, reaching up to 160 mm in length. While not an insect, it is a prominent invertebrate predator found under logs and rocks. It delivers a painful venomous bite and preys on large invertebrates including weta.

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Did You Know?

This centipede has been observed catching and eating gecko lizards and large weta that are nearly as big as itself.

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.