More than a year ago I found a Scolopendra heros at the place where I work. It had fallen victim to insecticide, but I brought it home and babied it along. It recovered and became a ravenous eating machine. Periodically it disappears for weeks at a time (burrows into the substrate), and although I haven't witnessed a molt, I'm guessing that's what was going on. It has grown into an impressive beast.
Back in late June of this year it once again went underground - but for a longer period of time. It finally emerged today. But this time it appears to have done more than just molt - it had a baby centiped crawling on it. The baby soon went back underground, and Mom is munching on some crickets. I have no idea how many babies there might be - I'll just have to wait and see.
My big question is - can centipedes really store sperm that long? Even through a molt or two? This seems really odd to me, but I know she hasn't been with a male for more than a year. Unfortunately, I never measured her so I can't quote growth figures. She SEEMS much bigger now - but maybe that's just because she's been very well fed? I'm not convinced of that - but looking for some explanation that makes sense.
Back in late June of this year it once again went underground - but for a longer period of time. It finally emerged today. But this time it appears to have done more than just molt - it had a baby centiped crawling on it. The baby soon went back underground, and Mom is munching on some crickets. I have no idea how many babies there might be - I'll just have to wait and see.
My big question is - can centipedes really store sperm that long? Even through a molt or two? This seems really odd to me, but I know she hasn't been with a male for more than a year. Unfortunately, I never measured her so I can't quote growth figures. She SEEMS much bigger now - but maybe that's just because she's been very well fed? I'm not convinced of that - but looking for some explanation that makes sense.
