Vietnamese Centipede Care Guide
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Vietnamese Centipede Care Guide
The Vietnamese Centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes), also known as the Giant Centipede or Asian Forest Centipede, is one of the largest and most formidable centipede species in the world. Reaching lengths of 8–12 inches, these fast, aggressive, venomous invertebrates are strictly for experienced keepers who understand the risks involved. They are not pets to be handled casually — they are display animals that command respect and proper containment.
At Ohio Pet Depot, we carry Vietnamese Centipedes for experienced invertebrate keepers. This guide covers everything you need to house and feed them safely.
⚠️ Venom & Safety Warning — Read First
Vietnamese Centipedes are venomous and dangerous. Their venom is delivered via forcipules (modified front legs) and causes:
- Intense, immediate pain at the bite site — described as one of the most painful invertebrate envenomations
- Swelling, redness, and localized tissue damage that can last days to weeks
- Systemic symptoms in some individuals: nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis
- Seek medical attention immediately if bitten, especially if you experience systemic symptoms, have known allergies, or if a child is bitten
Additionally, centipedes have sharp tarsal claws on every leg that can scratch and puncture skin even without a bite. Handle with extreme caution using long tongs — never with bare hands.
This species is not recommended for beginners. If you are new to invertebrate keeping, start with a non-venomous species first.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Scolopendra subspinipes |
| Common Names | Vietnamese Centipede, Giant Centipede, Asian Forest Centipede, Chinese Red-Headed Centipede |
| Adult Size | 8–12 inches; some specimens exceed 12 inches |
| Lifespan | 5–10+ years in captivity |
| Origin | Southeast Asia, South Asia, Pacific Islands (wide range) |
| Habitat | Tropical and subtropical forest floor; under logs, rocks, leaf litter |
| Activity Level | Nocturnal; fast and unpredictable when disturbed |
| Temperament | Aggressive, defensive, will bite without hesitation |
| Experience Level | Advanced only |
| Venom | Yes — painful, medically significant; seek care if bitten |
Enclosure Setup
Size & Security
Escape prevention is the #1 priority. Vietnamese Centipedes are incredibly strong, fast, and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Use an enclosure with:
- A locking, gapless lid — no mesh gaps larger than 1/8 inch
- Smooth, tall walls — centipedes can climb glass and plastic
- A 10–15 gallon enclosure is appropriate for a single adult; larger is fine but not required
- Never use a screen-top enclosure without securing it — centipedes will push through or around loose lids
A loose centipede of this size in your home is a serious emergency. Always verify the lid is fully secured before and after any interaction with the enclosure.
Substrate
Use a deep, moisture-retaining substrate that allows burrowing:
- Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding — natural cypress mulch; excellent moisture retention, naturalistic, resists mold
- Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber — excellent moisture retention, soft for burrowing
- A mix of coconut fiber + topsoil (no fertilizers or pesticides) works well
Provide 4–6 inches of depth to allow burrowing. Keep the substrate slightly moist on one side, drier on the other to create a humidity gradient.
Hides & Decor
Provide multiple hides — flat cork bark, half-logs, and flat rocks all work well. Vietnamese Centipedes spend most of their time hidden and will use the substrate and hides extensively. Leaf litter on the surface adds enrichment and a naturalistic feel. Keep decor minimal enough to allow easy visual inspection of the enclosure without needing to reach inside.
Temperature & Lighting
Temperature
| Zone | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Ambient (daytime) | 75–85°F |
| Warm side (optional) | 82–88°F |
| Nighttime low | 68–75°F |
Vietnamese Centipedes are tropical animals and do best in the upper 70s to low 80s. Most homes maintain adequate temperatures without supplemental heating. If needed, use a low-wattage Fluker's Ceramic Heat Emitter on a thermostat mounted to the side of the enclosure — never use an under-tank heater as burrowing animals can be trapped against it.
Lighting
No special lighting is required. Vietnamese Centipedes are nocturnal and will avoid bright light. A standard room light cycle is sufficient. Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight.
Humidity
Target 60–80% humidity with a gradient — one side of the enclosure slightly drier, the other slightly more moist. This allows the centipede to self-regulate.
- Mist one side of the enclosure lightly every 1–2 days
- The substrate should be damp but never waterlogged — standing water causes bacterial growth and respiratory issues
- Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent stagnant, stale air
Diet & Feeding
Vietnamese Centipedes are aggressive, active predators. They will eat virtually any prey item they can overpower. Feed using long feeding tongs only — never drop live prey in with your hand near the enclosure opening, and never hand-feed.
Feeder Insects (Staples)
- Banded Crickets — excellent staple; stimulates strong predatory response
- Dubia Roaches — nutritionally superior; highly accepted
- Superworms — great for larger centipedes; high protein
- Mealworms — good variety feeder
- Nightcrawlers — excellent protein source; highly accepted
Occasional / Variety Feeders
- Hornworms — high moisture; good for hydration and variety
- Wax Worms — high fat; use sparingly
- Frozen Feeder Rats (pinky/fuzzy) — appropriate for large adults; thaw fully before offering; no more than once a month
Feeding Schedule
| Age / Size | Frequency | Prey Size |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile (under 4 inches) | Every 3–5 days | Small crickets, mealworms, small dubias |
| Sub-adult (4–8 inches) | Every 5–7 days | Medium crickets, dubias, nightcrawlers, superworms |
| Adult (8+ inches) | Every 7–14 days | Large dubias, nightcrawlers, superworms; occasional pinky rodent |
Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours. Live prey left in the enclosure can stress or injure the centipede, especially during molting.
Water: Provide a very shallow water bottle cap or small dish with fresh water at all times. Change it every 2–3 days. Centipedes drink regularly and dehydration is a common cause of death in captivity.
Molting
Vietnamese Centipedes molt periodically as they grow. Signs of an upcoming molt include:
- Refusal to eat for 1–2 weeks before molting
- Increased hiding and reduced activity
- Dull coloration
During and immediately after molting:
- Do not feed — the centipede is vulnerable and live prey can injure a freshly molted animal
- Do not disturb the enclosure
- Ensure humidity is adequate — low humidity can cause a stuck or incomplete molt
- Wait at least 1–2 weeks after molting before resuming feeding to allow the exoskeleton to fully harden
Handling
Do not handle Vietnamese Centipedes. This is not a handling species. Every interaction with this animal carries a genuine risk of a medically significant envenomation.
- If you must move the centipede (for enclosure cleaning, etc.), use long feeding tongs (12"+ recommended) to gently guide it into a secure container with a lid
- Never reach into the enclosure with bare hands — centipedes strike with lightning speed and without warning
- Always have the enclosure lid ready to close immediately during any interaction
- Work slowly and deliberately — sudden movements trigger defensive strikes
- Have a plan for what to do if the centipede escapes during maintenance before you open the enclosure
Health & Common Issues
| Issue | Signs | Cause / Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dehydration | Lethargy, curled posture, dull coloration, death | No water source or too-dry substrate; provide fresh water dish and increase humidity immediately |
| Stuck molt (dysecdysis) | Partial shed retained, lethargy, inability to move normally | Low humidity during molt; increase humidity; do not attempt to manually remove shed |
| Bacterial infection | Discoloration, lesions, lethargy | Waterlogged substrate or dirty enclosure; improve husbandry; exotic vet consultation |
| Prey injury | Wounds, missing legs, lethargy after feeding | Live prey left in enclosure too long; always remove uneaten prey within 24 hours |
| Escape | Missing centipede | Unsecured lid; search carefully — centipedes hide in dark, warm, tight spaces. Do not reach blindly into hiding spots |
If bitten: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Apply a cold compress for pain and swelling. Seek medical attention, especially if you experience systemic symptoms (nausea, dizziness, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat). Inform medical staff it was a Scolopendra subspinipes bite.
Shopping List
- 🪲 Vietnamese Centipede
- 🦟 Banded Crickets — staple feeder
- 🪲 Dubia Roaches — staple feeder
- 🐛 Superworms — staple for adults
- 🪱 Nightcrawlers — excellent protein variety
- 🐛 Mealworms — variety feeder
- 🐛 Hornworms — hydration variety
- 🐛 Wax Worms — occasional treat
- 🐀 Frozen Feeder Rats (pinky/fuzzy) — large adults only, monthly max
- 🌱 Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding — substrate
- 🌱 Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber — substrate
- 🔥 Fluker's Ceramic Heat Emitter — supplemental heat if needed
Come Visit Us!
Interested in a Vietnamese Centipede? Stop by Ohio Pet Depot to see our current Vietnamese Centipedes in person. Our staff can walk you through enclosure setup, feeding, and safe husbandry practices for this impressive species. We carry all the feeders and supplies listed in this guide.
Questions? Call us, stop in, or reach out online. We take invertebrate care seriously.