New Zealand Giant Centipede vs Speckled Peter Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Giant Centipede Speckled Peter Stonefly
Scientific Name Cormocephalus rubriceps Paragnetina media
Order Scolopendromorpha Plecoptera
Family Scolopendridae Perlidae
Size 100-160 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Heathland Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Oceania (New Zealand) North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Speckled Peter Stonefly

A medium-sized patterned stonefly of eastern streams with distinctive speckled wing markings. Nymphs are voracious predators among cobbles.

💡

Did You Know?

Nymphs have been observed actively stalking prey rather than simply ambushing passing invertebrates.