Centipedes

Australia’s colourful centipedes are skilled hunters – and many new species await discovery.

CENTIPEDES ARE AMONG the most ferocious of invertebrate predators. Moving swiftly through the leaf litter they locate prey with antennae covered in sensory hairs. Once they have found their next meal, they vigorously subdue their prey with 21 pairs of claw-tipped legs. Powerful ‘venom claws’ at either side of the mouth are used to inject venom and crush the victim. This devastating hunting technique enables centipedes to overcome much larger prey, such as small reptiles and rodents.

There are 43 known Australian species, but many new specimens await description. These animals live in varied habitats, from desert and rural to urban and coastal environments. They are nocturnal hunters and they shelter during the day under debris or in burrows and cracks underground. Although not fatal to humans, bites from Australian centipedes may result in a painful stinging sensation with swelling that can last a week. In more severe cases, symptoms include nausea, sickness and – rarely – severe anaphylactic shock.

1 Cormocephalus aurantiipes 90mm

One of Australia’s most common centipedes, it is found throughout southern Queensland, NSW, Victoria, SA and southern WA. They prefer dry scrub environments and are more common near watercourses. During wet weather they often congregate under debris.

2 Rhysida nuda 90mm

Often encountered in gardens in south-eastern Queensland, this species typically has striking blue legs and a maroon or brown body; individuals from central Victoria (pictured) and northern Queensland aren’t always as colourful. They have a distinctive pair of long, thin terminal legs, helpful for identification.

3 Scolopendra laeta 30–55mm

This highly variable centipede occupies a large range through arid lands. It has five distinct forms based on colour and markings. Unlike S. morsitans, the dominant body markings are horizontal stripes, rather than bands. This specimen is interesting because it does not fit into any currently described forms.

4 Ethmostigmus rubripes 120–230mm

Our largest centipede is also the most variable, showing an array of colours. Found across the mainland, it thrives from deserts to tropical rainforests. This giant’s brute strength and powerful bite make it a top invertebrate predator that can take large lizards, frogs and rodents.

5 Cormocephalus esulcatus 70mm

Favouring cooler climes, this species is commonly found in swampy coastal terrain in the temperate forests of Victoria and NSW. They have a metallic sheen and can stay submerged in water for long periods. I once found this species crawling under water while I searched for tadpoles.

6 Scolopendra morsitans 70–160mm

This very widespread centipede is known for its highly variable colour and size. Most commonly it has a red head with black bands on the body. Other forms include green, blue, red and bright orange. It is mainly found in drier areas such as the arid inland and dry sclerophyll forest near rainforests.

7 Cormocephalus sp. 50mm

A unique new treedwelling centipede yet to be described. All specimens to date have been found under bark on eucalyptus trees in southern Queensland. Although visually resembling S. morsitans, it is in the Cormocephalus genus, due to its characteristic headplate.

8 Scolopendra 50mm sp.

This small, colourful centipede appears to be taxonomically different from Australia’s existing Scolopendra species. They are currently only known from a small coastal area of central Queensland. Because of their limited distribution, land clearing for urban development is a potential threat.