New Zealand Giant Centipede
Cormocephalus rubriceps
About 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.
How to Identify New Zealand Giant Centipede
New Zealand Giant Centipede (Cormocephalus rubriceps) belongs to the order Scolopendromorpha, family Scolopendridae. Adults typically measure 100-160 mm.
New Zealand Giant Centipede Habitat
New Zealand Giant Centipede is found in heathland habitats, particularly across Oceania (New Zealand). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
New Zealand Giant Centipede Diet and Feeding
New Zealand Giant Centipede is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.
Where Is New Zealand Giant Centipede Found?
New Zealand Giant Centipede can be found in Oceania (New Zealand), where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where New Zealand Giant Centipede can be found
Is New Zealand Giant Centipede Dangerous?
New Zealand Giant Centipede is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
New Zealand Giant Centipede Role in Nature
New Zealand Giant Centipede serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand Giant Centipede
What does New Zealand Giant Centipede look like?
The New Zealand Giant Centipede typically measures 100-160 mm.
Where is New Zealand Giant Centipede found?
The New Zealand Giant Centipede is found in Oceania (New Zealand) and typically inhabits heathland environments.
What does New Zealand Giant Centipede eat?
The New Zealand Giant Centipede is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.
Is New Zealand Giant Centipede dangerous to humans?
The New Zealand Giant Centipede is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about New Zealand Giant Centipede?
This centipede has been observed catching and eating gecko lizards and large weta that are nearly as big as itself.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). New Zealand Giant Centipede (Cormocephalus rubriceps). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/new-zealand-giant-centipede
MLA:
"New Zealand Giant Centipede." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/new-zealand-giant-centipede.