Vietnamese Giant Centipede (Scolopendra dehaani) Care Sheet
The Vietnamese Giant Centipede is a large, powerful predatory centipede found across parts of Southeast and wider southern/eastern Asia. Scolopendra dehaani is among the larger members of the genus Scolopendra, with substantial adults reaching impressive lengths. Scientific studies recognise considerable geographical variation in its colour and morphology.
This is an impressive display invertebrate, but it is not an appropriate handling species. Large Scolopendra are extremely fast, strong and capable of delivering medically significant venom through modified front appendages called forcipules.
Successful husbandry requires an exceptionally secure escape-proof enclosure, deep moisture-retaining substrate, good ventilation, a moisture gradient, appropriate warmth, clean drinking water and suitably sized invertebrate prey.
Because escape or accidental contact could result in a serious bite, Scolopendra dehaani is best suited to experienced invertebrate keepers comfortable maintaining venomous arthropods.
Quick Facts
Scientific name: Scolopendra dehaani
Common names: Vietnamese Giant Centipede, Giant Vietnamese Centipede
Family: Scolopendridae
Order: Scolopendromorpha
Class: Chilopoda
Origin: Asia, particularly Southeast Asia
Adult size: Commonly around 15–20+ cm, with particularly large specimens capable of exceeding this; scientific samples confirm S. dehaani belongs among the larger Scolopendra species
Diet: Carnivorous
Activity: Primarily nocturnal
Lifestyle: Terrestrial/fossorial predator
Experience level: Advanced
Venomous: Yes
Handling: Not recommended
Social housing: No — house individually
Taxonomy
Scolopendra dehaani has historically been associated with the Scolopendra subspinipes complex.
Older literature and animal records may therefore use the name:
Scolopendra subspinipes dehaani
Modern taxonomic treatments have recognised Scolopendra dehaani as a distinct species, although some current databases still retain differing synonym arrangements.
This is worth remembering when researching older husbandry or natural-history information.
Natural Distribution
Scolopendra dehaani has a broad Asian distribution.
Scientific work records the species across areas including Southeast Asia and other parts of southern and eastern Asia.
Geographical populations can differ considerably in:
- Colour
- Leg colour
- Body markings
- Size
- Morphological characteristics
For this reason, locality information should be retained whenever available.
Natural Habitat
Vietnamese Giant Centipedes are terrestrial predators associated with warm environments where suitable cover and soil are available.
They may shelter:
- Beneath logs
- Beneath rocks
- Inside soil
- Beneath leaf litter
- Within crevices
- Inside existing burrows
Surface conditions do not necessarily represent the microclimate experienced by a centipede concealed underground.
Appearance
Scolopendra dehaani is a robust, heavily built centipede.
Typical features include:
- Flattened segmented body
- One pair of walking legs per body segment
- Powerful forcipules beneath the head
- Long antennae
- Enlarged ultimate legs
- Strongly sclerotised body plates
Colour varies substantially between populations and individuals.
Colour Morphs
One of the most interesting characteristics of Scolopendra dehaani is its geographical colour variation.
Individuals may display combinations of:
- Brown
- Black
- Reddish brown
- Orange
- Yellow
- Red
Scientific studies have documented substantial colour and morphological variation between populations.
Common hobby labels describing leg or body colour should not automatically be treated as separate species.
Adult Size
Scolopendra dehaani is a genuinely large centipede.
Many adults fall around:
15–20+ cm
with some individuals becoming substantially larger.
Research comparing Chinese Scolopendra placed S. dehaani among the larger-bodied species studied.
Always plan housing around a large adult rather than the size of a juvenile at purchase.
Forcipules
The structures sometimes incorrectly called the centipede’s “fangs” are actually modified first appendages known as:
forcipules.
They are positioned immediately behind and beneath the head.
The forcipules are used to:
- Seize prey
- Inject venom
- Defend against threats
They can strike rapidly.
Venom
Scolopendra dehaani is venomous.
Venom is primarily used to immobilise prey, but it can also be delivered defensively.
A bite from a large Scolopendra should be treated seriously.
Potential effects can include:
- Intense pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Local inflammation
- Other systemic symptoms in some circumstances
Individual reactions can vary.
Bite Safety
Do not handle this species.
If a bite occurs:
- Move away from the animal safely
- Wash the wound
- Seek appropriate medical advice, particularly for severe or worsening symptoms
- Seek urgent medical attention for serious systemic symptoms or signs of an allergic reaction
Do not attempt to capture an escaped centipede with bare hands.
No Free Handling
Even an apparently calm individual can move extremely quickly.
A centipede should never be considered “tame.”
Avoid:
- Hand feeding
- Free handling
- Allowing the animal to walk across the body
- Picking it up for photographs
- Pinning it with fingers
Routine husbandry should be designed so direct physical contact is unnecessary.
Ultimate Legs
The final pair of legs is substantially modified and often much larger than the ordinary walking legs.
These are known as the:
ultimate legs.
They can assist with:
- Defence
- Gripping
- Anchoring
- Manipulation during interactions with prey or threats
Never restrain a centipede by its ultimate legs.
Antennae
The antennae are important sensory organs.
They help the centipede investigate:
- Substrate
- Obstacles
- Prey
- Potential threats
A hunting centipede may continually move its antennae while exploring the enclosure.
Housing
A secure terrestrial enclosure is essential.
Suitable housing can include:
- Purpose-built invertebrate terrariums
- Secure plastic enclosures
- Escape-resistant glass enclosures
The enclosure should provide:
- Deep substrate
- Secure lid
- Appropriate ventilation
- Hiding places
- Moisture gradient
- Water
- Safe maintenance access
Security is more important with this species than decorative appearance.
Enclosure Size
For a large adult, an enclosure around:
40 × 30 × 30 cm or larger
provides a useful general starting point.
Floor area and substrate depth are more important than excessive height.
However, sufficient distance must exist between the substrate surface and enclosure lid to prevent escape.
Escape Prevention
Scolopendra dehaani is an exceptionally poor candidate for a casually secured enclosure.
The enclosure should have:
- Tight-fitting lid
- Secure catches
- No large ventilation openings
- No cable gaps
- No loose sliding doors
- No gaps around fittings
Inspect the enclosure before introducing the animal.
Lid Security
Never rely solely on the weight of a lightweight lid.
A large centipede is powerful and persistent.
Use a lid or door system that cannot be:
- Pushed open
- Shifted
- Flexed sufficiently to create a gap
Enclosure security should be checked regularly.
Ventilation Holes
Ventilation openings must be substantially smaller than the centipede’s body width.
Centipedes can squeeze through surprisingly narrow spaces.
Juveniles require especially fine ventilation openings.
Maintenance Safety
Before opening the enclosure:
- Locate the centipede.
- Determine whether it is inside a secure retreat.
- Prepare all equipment beforehand.
- Keep a catch container nearby.
- Open only as much of the enclosure as necessary.
Never casually leave an open enclosure unattended.
Catch Container
Keep a secure catch cup or container available whenever maintenance is performed.
A suitable container should be:
- Tall enough to prevent immediate escape
- Smooth sided
- Securely closable
- Large enough for the animal
Long forceps can assist with enclosure maintenance, but should not be used to crush or aggressively restrain the centipede.
Substrate
Provide deep moisture-retaining substrate.
Suitable mixtures can include:
- Fertiliser-free topsoil
- Soil/sand mixtures
- Appropriate naturalistic invertebrate substrates
Experienced centipede keepers commonly use substantial substrate depth for large Scolopendra.
The substrate should permit natural digging and retreat behaviour.
Substrate Depth
For a large adult, approximately:
10–15 cm or more
is appropriate.
Deeper substrate can provide:
- Burrowing opportunities
- More stable humidity
- Thermal buffering
- Secure retreats
A very shallow substrate layer unnecessarily removes important behavioural opportunities.
Burrowing
Burrowing is normal.
A centipede may spend substantial periods:
- Underground
- Beneath cork bark
- Inside a constructed retreat
Do not repeatedly excavate the animal simply because it has not been visible.
Moisture
The substrate should not be allowed to become completely desiccated.
At the same time, permanently waterlogged conditions are undesirable.
A useful approach is to provide a:
moisture gradient.
Part of the substrate can remain more humid while another portion is somewhat drier.
Humidity
Rather than chasing one precise humidity number, focus on providing:
- Moist deeper substrate
- Good ventilation
- Drying opportunities at the surface
- Clean drinking water
- A choice of microclimates
This is generally more useful than maintaining the entire enclosure uniformly wet.
Ventilation
Ventilation is essential.
High moisture combined with poor airflow can encourage:
- Mould
- Mites
- Stagnant substrate
- Excessive microbial growth
The enclosure should retain appropriate moisture without becoming swamp-like.
Temperature
A useful general captive temperature range is approximately:
23–28°C
for many tropical Asian Scolopendra husbandry systems.
Avoid uncontrolled extreme heat.
The centipede should have access to a temperature gradient.
Heating
Supplemental heating may be unnecessary in a suitably warm room.
If additional heat is required, it should be:
- Thermostatically controlled
- Applied externally
- Restricted to part of the enclosure
Avoid heating the entire base.
Why Bottom Heating Can Be Dangerous
A centipede may respond to excessive heat by burrowing deeper.
If the primary heat source is directly beneath the enclosure, deeper burrowing can move the animal closer to the hottest area.
Where supplemental heat is necessary, gentle side heating is generally safer.
Direct Sunlight
Never place the enclosure in direct sunlight.
An enclosed terrarium can overheat rapidly.
Keep the enclosure away from:
- Sunny windows
- Radiators
- Strong heat sources
- Extreme drafts
Water
Provide a shallow dish of clean fresh water at all times.
The dish should be:
- Stable
- Easy to access
- Appropriately shallow
- Cleaned regularly
Large centipedes may drink readily.
Hides
Provide secure hiding locations.
Suitable hides include:
- Cork bark
- Curved bark
- Half-buried artificial hides
- Pieces of decaying hardwood where safe
The animal may also excavate its own retreat beneath these structures.
Cork Bark
Cork bark is particularly useful because it is:
- Lightweight
- Resistant to decay
- Easy to position
- Suitable for creating starter burrows
Avoid heavy objects that could collapse onto a burrowing centipede.
Leaf Litter
A layer of clean leaf litter can provide:
- Surface cover
- Environmental complexity
- Humidity buffering
- Naturalistic hunting areas
Use material free from:
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Road contamination
Lighting
Specialised lighting is generally unnecessary.
A normal day/night cycle is sufficient.
Ambient room lighting is usually adequate.
Avoid leaving the enclosure brightly illuminated continuously.
UVB
UVB lighting is not generally required for routine Scolopendra dehaani husbandry.
If display lighting is used, ensure that it does not:
- Overheat the enclosure
- Excessively dry the substrate
- Eliminate dark retreats
Nocturnal Behaviour
Vietnamese Giant Centipedes are primarily nocturnal predators.
During daylight they may remain:
- Buried
- Beneath bark
- Inside retreats
- Hidden beneath substrate
They often become considerably more active after dark.
Diet
Scolopendra dehaani is a powerful generalist predator.
In captivity, suitable prey can include:
- Cockroaches
- Crickets
- Locusts
- Other appropriately sized captive-bred invertebrates
Dietary variety is preferable to reliance upon one feeder species.
Cockroaches
Captive-bred feeder cockroaches make excellent prey.
They should be:
- Appropriately sized
- Healthy
- Properly gut-loaded
Avoid wild-caught cockroaches because of pesticide and pathogen risks.
Crickets
Crickets can be offered as part of a varied diet.
Remove uneaten crickets, especially if the centipede is approaching a moult.
Feeder insects can disturb vulnerable animals.
Locusts
Appropriately sized locusts may be offered where available.
Avoid prey so large that it presents unnecessary risk of injury.
Vertebrate Prey
Large wild Scolopendra are capable predators and may take small vertebrates opportunistically.
However, vertebrate prey is not necessary for routine captive nutrition.
A varied diet of appropriately gut-loaded invertebrate prey is generally preferable and avoids unnecessary welfare concerns.
Wild-Caught Prey
Avoid feeding wild insects or other wild prey.
They may carry:
- Pesticides
- Parasites
- Pathogens
- Environmental contaminants
Captive-bred feeder insects are safer.
Feeding Frequency
Healthy adults generally do not require daily feeding.
An appropriately sized meal around:
once every 5–10 days
provides a useful starting point.
Adjust according to:
- Age
- Size
- Temperature
- Body condition
- Feeding response
- Reproductive condition
Juveniles can receive smaller prey more frequently.
Overfeeding
Centipedes can become heavily conditioned when fed excessively.
Avoid feeding simply because the animal accepts prey.
Monitor body condition.
Excess food can also increase:
- Waste
- Mould
- Mite populations
- Uneaten prey
Feeding With Tongs
Long feeding tongs can be useful for placing prey into the enclosure.
However, avoid encouraging the centipede to strike directly at tools near your hands.
Dropping prey into a safe area of the enclosure is often preferable.
Never hand-feed.
Remove Prey Remains
Remove obvious remains of prey during routine maintenance.
Decomposing food can encourage:
- Mould
- Mites
- Unpleasant odours
- Poor substrate conditions
Do not disturb the centipede unnecessarily simply to retrieve a tiny fragment immediately.
Behaviour
Typical behaviour includes:
- Burrowing
- Nocturnal exploration
- Hunting
- Resting beneath cover
- Rapid defensive movement
- Investigating with antennae
Individuals vary considerably in how visible they are.
Speed
Large Scolopendra can move extremely quickly.
They can rapidly:
- Sprint across substrate
- Reverse direction
- Climb textured objects
- Exploit an open enclosure
Never underestimate their speed during maintenance.
Defensive Behaviour
A threatened centipede may:
- Move rapidly
- Raise part of its body
- Turn towards the disturbance
- Attempt to bite
- Use its ultimate legs defensively
These behaviours should be treated as a clear signal to stop disturbing the animal.
Handling
Routine handling is inappropriate.
The safest approach is:
zero direct handling.
When relocation is necessary, use secure containers and appropriate tools.
The animal gains no welfare benefit from being handled.
Relocation
If the centipede must be transferred:
- Prepare the destination enclosure completely.
- Work in a secure escape-resistant area.
- Use a large smooth-sided catch container.
- Guide the centipede carefully rather than grabbing it.
- Secure the container before moving it.
Never attempt transfer casually in an open room.
Social Housing
Scolopendra dehaani should be housed:
individually.
Large centipedes are predatory and cannibalism is a serious risk.
Do not assume that animals sharing space temporarily are compatible.
Cannibalism
Two centipedes maintained together may:
- Fight
- Injure one another
- Cannibalise during moulting
- Compete for retreats
Permanent individual housing is the safest recommendation.
Moulting
Centipedes must periodically shed their exoskeleton to grow.
Before moulting, an individual may:
- Refuse food
- Become secretive
- Remain underground
- Reduce activity
Do not dig up a centipede suspected of approaching a moult.
During Moulting
A moulting centipede is vulnerable.
During this period:
- Do not handle
- Do not disturb unnecessarily
- Remove dangerous live prey
- Maintain stable moisture
- Maintain appropriate temperature
Allow the animal to complete the process naturally.
After Moulting
The new exoskeleton is initially soft.
Do not immediately offer large prey.
Wait until the animal has:
- Hardened
- Regained normal movement
- Returned to normal activity
before resuming feeding.
Juveniles
Juveniles require the same fundamental principles as adults:
- Escape-proof housing
- Deep substrate
- Appropriate moisture
- Good ventilation
- Small suitable prey
- Secure retreats
Tiny juveniles require particularly careful attention to ventilation-hole size.
Growth
Growth occurs through repeated moults.
Rate of growth depends upon:
- Temperature
- Feeding
- Genetics
- Sex
- General husbandry
Do not deliberately power-feed juveniles to force rapid growth.
Sexing
External sexing of Scolopendra can be difficult.
Reliable identification may require close examination of anatomical characteristics.
Attempting to restrain a large venomous centipede solely to determine sex creates unnecessary risk.
Sexing is best left to experienced keepers using safe techniques.
Breeding
Breeding should be attempted only by highly experienced keepers.
Introducing two large venomous centipedes creates risks of:
- Aggression
- Cannibalism
- Keeper exposure
- Escape
A dedicated breeding plan and safe separation strategy are essential.
Maternal Care
Female scolopendrid centipedes display notable maternal behaviour.
Females can coil around their eggs and later guard developing young.
A brooding female should not be unnecessarily disturbed.
Stress or major disruption can compromise reproductive success.
Eggs
A female may remain hidden with her eggs for an extended period.
Do not repeatedly excavate a suspected brooding chamber to check progress.
Stable environmental conditions are more important than frequent observation.
Juvenile Separation
Young centipedes eventually require careful management and separation.
Anyone intentionally breeding Scolopendra dehaani must be prepared for:
- Numerous secure enclosures
- Appropriate small prey
- Escape prevention
- Safe individual maintenance
Breeding should never occur without planning for the offspring.
Health
Potential husbandry-related problems include:
- Dehydration
- Excessive moisture
- Failed moults
- Physical injuries
- Mites
- Overheating
- Chemical exposure
Many problems can be prevented through stable environmental conditions.
Warning Signs
Possible reasons for concern include:
- Persistent inability to walk normally
- Severe loss of coordination
- Significant unexplained body shrinkage
- Physical trauma
- Failed moult
- Persistent abnormal posture
- Unusual weakness
Check temperature, moisture and recent husbandry changes when abnormal behaviour develops.
Mites
Small organisms may occasionally occur in humid substrate.
Not every mite is harmful.
Many are harmless decomposers attracted to:
- Food remains
- Organic substrate
- Moist conditions
Large numbers directly attached to the centipede may warrant further investigation.
Cleaning
Spot-clean the enclosure as necessary.
Remove:
- Prey remains
- Mould
- Dead feeder insects
- Excess waste
Avoid frequent total substrate changes unless there is a genuine problem.
Chemical Sensitivity
Centipedes can be vulnerable to chemical contamination.
Keep the enclosure away from:
- Insecticides
- Flea sprays
- Aerosol pesticides
- Strong cleaning chemicals
- Paint fumes
- Other toxic substances
Never use household insecticide near the enclosure.
Quarantine
New centipedes should initially be kept separately from other invertebrates.
Monitor:
- Feeding
- Activity
- Mites
- Moulting
- General condition
Use separate maintenance tools where practical.
Captive-Bred vs Wild-Caught
Where available, responsibly captive-bred animals are preferable.
Wild-caught centipedes may have:
- Unknown age
- Injuries
- Parasites
- Collection stress
- Unknown reproductive status
- Uncertain locality
Captive breeding can reduce reliance upon wild collection.
Responsible Sourcing
Before acquiring an animal, ask about:
- Scientific identification
- Captive-bred or wild-caught status
- Approximate size
- Locality where known
- Feeding history
- Previous moults
Keep provenance information with the animal.
Legal Considerations
Rules surrounding venomous invertebrate ownership vary between jurisdictions.
Restrictions may apply to:
- Possession
- Sale
- Collection
- Import
- Export
- Transport
Landlords, insurers or housing providers may also impose separate restrictions.
Always check the requirements that apply where the animal will actually be kept.
Household Safety
Consider who else has access to the enclosure.
The enclosure should be inaccessible to:
- Young children
- Uninformed visitors
- Free-roaming pets
Everyone who may encounter the enclosure should understand that it contains a venomous animal and must not be opened.
Labelling
Clearly labelling the enclosure can be sensible.
Useful information can include:
VENOMOUS CENTIPEDE — DO NOT OPEN
This is particularly valuable in households containing other people or where someone else may need to care for animals during an emergency.
Escape Plan
Before obtaining Scolopendra dehaani, have a plan for an accidental escape.
Keep available:
- Large catch containers
- Long forceps
- Secure temporary housing
- Adequate lighting
Do not attempt to catch an escaped centipede with bare hands.
Prevention remains far safer than recovery.
Never Release Captive Centipedes
Never release a captive Scolopendra dehaani into the environment.
Captive animals may:
- Be outside their native range
- Carry pathogens
- Have uncertain geographical provenance
If the animal can no longer be maintained, arrange responsible rehoming with an experienced keeper where legal.
Common Husbandry Mistakes
Common mistakes include:
- Insecure enclosure lids
- Ventilation gaps that are too large
- Substrate that is too shallow
- Keeping the enclosure completely dry
- Maintaining permanently saturated substrate
- Poor ventilation
- Excessive heat
- Bottom heating without a safe gradient
- Leaving live prey with a moulting animal
- Attempting to handle the centipede
- Housing multiple individuals together
- Underestimating its speed
With a large venomous centipede, husbandry mistakes can affect both animal welfare and keeper safety.
Is This Species Suitable for Beginners?
Generally:
No.
A new invertebrate keeper has many less hazardous species available for learning fundamental husbandry.
Scolopendra dehaani is better suited to an experienced keeper who already understands:
- Secure enclosure design
- Escape prevention
- Invertebrate feeding
- Humidity management
- Safe transfers
- Moulting behaviour
- Venomous-animal protocols
Responsible Ownership
Before acquiring a Vietnamese Giant Centipede, consider:
- Large adult size
- Venomous bite
- Extraordinary speed
- Escape potential
- Individual housing
- Live-food requirements
- Secure maintenance procedures
- Other household members
- Long-term care
- Legal requirements
This species should be chosen because the keeper wishes to observe and maintain an extraordinary predatory arthropod — not because they want an animal to handle.
Summary
The Vietnamese Giant Centipede (Scolopendra dehaani) is one of the most impressive large centipedes maintained by specialist invertebrate keepers. It is a powerful Asian predator with considerable geographical variation in colour and morphology. Scientific research confirms its position among the larger members of Scolopendra.
Successful captive husbandry requires an extremely secure escape-proof terrestrial enclosure, deep burrowable substrate, an appropriate moisture gradient, good ventilation, warm temperatures, clean drinking water, secure retreats and a varied diet of captive-bred invertebrate prey.
Safety is fundamental. Scolopendra dehaani possesses venom-delivering forcipules and should never be treated as a handling animal. Enclosure design and maintenance procedures should minimise the need for direct interaction.
The species should also be housed individually because aggression and cannibalism can occur.
For an experienced keeper prepared to respect its defensive capabilities and natural behaviour, Scolopendra dehaani can be a fascinating display species and an exceptional example of specialised arthropod predation.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace current species-specific research, professional medical or veterinary advice, or applicable legislation.
Scolopendra dehaani is venomous and capable of inflicting a painful and potentially medically significant bite. Direct handling is not recommended.
Taxonomic treatment of S. dehaani has changed historically, and older sources may list it within the Scolopendra subspinipes complex.
Always verify current regulations concerning possession, collection, sale, transport, import and export before acquiring this species.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: August 2026