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Centipede Caresheet
by Vincent Wisse
Photo by Scolopendromorpha
Housing your Centipede
Keeping centipedes is fairly easy as long as you follow one important rule : Make sure they can't escape!!!
Centipedes are real escape artists and lightning fast. Don't use containers made of thin plastic (at least 2-3 mm thick) otherwise they are able to bite their way out. It is also a good idea to house them in containers that are higher then the total length of the centipede (including terminal legs) + height of the substrate. This is not always possible but I highly recommend it if you're new to keeping centipedes. Last but not least, make sure that you use a lid that is secure. In my opinion the box on the next picture is the best choice.
 Photo by Scolopendromorpha |
 Photo by Scolopendromorpha |
Centipedes like to hide (in fact you rarely see them) so give them enough substrate to dig. I use humus mixed with vermiculite and a little sphagnum (70 / 20 / 10) for tropical species and humus mixed with sand (50 / 50) for the non-topical species. They also like a hiding place. Centipedes cannot survive long without water. The substrate should be moist but not wet (if the substrate is too wet the centipede can drown). You can place a water dish in the enclosure to make sure the centipede has access to water.
Handling
There are two relatively safe ways to handle centipedes, both of which I will explain on this page. Before I start, I have one important thing to say: Never handle/hold centipedes with your bare hands!!!
Centipedes are venomous and should never be handled unless necessary. Centipedes aren't deadly (there are some rumours but they have never been proven) but a bite can be quite painful. The first method is the safest way to handle centipedes. Place a small container in the enclosure of the centipede and by gently touching it with a pair of tweezers/ pencil/ etc persuade it to walk in the container. Put the lid on the container and you're done. I mostly use this method on pedelings.
 Photo by Scolopendromorpha |
 Photo byScolopendromorpha |
The second way (mostly used with larger species) is gently lifting it with a pair of tweezers. Make sure the centipede can't move (it could run to your hand) by holding it firmly but don't squeeze.
