Centipede's head and next 4 segments are paralyzed/immobile. I need help.

[Nicholas Rothstein]

Hi,
I'm in desperate need of help. My centipede is either
SCOLOPENDRA SUBSPINIPES or
LETHOBIUS SP.
I live in Hawaii and recently caught a centipede I'd like to seriously keep as a pet. It currently lives in a bucket with "Ecoearth" and a few leaves and rocks. I am waiting to buy a proper set up when I get enough money.

It's head along with the following 4-5 segments are
paralyzed/immobile. I also noticed a white kind of blob coming from it's back end. It's last set of legs, the sensory ones, is missing a leg. When I first caught the centipede it was in good health, only stressed out by the new environment.

I do not know what my centipede likes to eat so I gave it a variety of food from my neighborhood (moth, slug, snail, cockroaches, stink bug, silver fish, small frog, potato bugs, and very small earth worms). The prey is alive. It is generally a terrible idea to do this but we have a no pesticide/herbicide/etc rule here. And centipedes regularly can be found here.

I fear it is dying, I think the snail or slug could have crushed it? Though I would not think so because I've seen centipedes of similar size prey upon them. It's other legs seem to be working fine and I can not see any unusual coloration or physical characteristics.

Then I thought it was molting but usually they go deep under ground to do that. None of it's prey is known to be a predator of centipedes. I know I must sound like a total amateur. Thank you for your responses in advance, I'm sure they will help Here is a picture:

 

[chanda]

First, your centipede is not a Lithobius species. The Lithobiomorpha or Stone Centipedes have only 15 pairs of legs. Your centipede is one of the Scolopendromorpha, which generally have 21 pairs of legs. (There are a few Scolopendromorpha species that have 23 pairs of legs). In Hawaii, it is going to be Scolopendra subspinipes.

Unfortunately, what you are describing - where the head and front segments appear paralyzed - does not sound like something that can be "fixed." I've had the same thing happen with a couple of Scolopendra polymorpha, where the front part of the body appeared paralyzed, but the back part seemed to be working normally. I'm not sure what happened - perhaps a failed molt that cut off oxygen to that portion of the body? - but it was eventually fatal. With the head not functioning properly, they were unable to feed and eventually starved to death.

The centipedes in both cases were wild-caught polymorpha that I'd had for a number of years, and that had molted succesfully for me multiple times during that period. They were not exposed to pesticides or given any wild-caught prey, they didn't have any cage mates, and the only feeders I ever gave them were the same store-bought crickets I give to all of my inverts, so I can rule out both poisoning and injury from a predator or cage mate. They had not been rehoused recently and they were never handled or picked up with tongs or other implements, nor had they been dropped (or had anything dropped on them). They were both quite large (as polymorpha go) so they may have been nearing the ends of their natural lives anyway. The fact that they did well for so long in their same enclosures suggests that the housing and substrate were not to blame. (I should clarify - while it did happen to two different polymorpha, it did not happen at the same time. I lost one that way, then a couple of years later, the same thing happened to the other one.)

In the picture you've attached, the centipede is basically on its back - which is a vulnerable position and not one that a healthy centipede is going to stay in for any length of time. Usually they will attempt to right themselves right away if they are flipped over. If it remained in that position, there is a good chance that it is dying and simply lacked the energy (or motor control) to flip itself over.

 

[Nicholas Rothstein]

First, your centipede is not a Lithobius species. The Lithobiomorpha or Stone Centipedes have only 15 pairs of legs. Your centipede is one of the Scolopendromorpha, which generally have 21 pairs of legs. (There are a few Scolopendromorpha species that have 23 pairs of legs). In Hawaii, it is going to be Scolopendra subspinipes.

Unfortunately, what you are describing - where the head and front segments appear paralyzed - does not sound like something that can be "fixed." I've had the same thing happen with a couple of Scolopendra polymorpha, where the front part of the body appeared paralyzed, but the back part seemed to be working normally. I'm not sure what happened - perhaps a failed molt that cut off oxygen to that portion of the body? - but it was eventually fatal. With the head not functioning properly, they were unable to feed and eventually starved to death.

The centipedes in both cases were wild-caught polymorpha that I'd had for a number of years, and that had molted succesfully for me multiple times during that period. They were not exposed to pesticides or given any wild-caught prey, they didn't have any cage mates, and the only feeders I ever gave them were the same store-bought crickets I give to all of my inverts, so I can rule out both poisoning and injury from a predator or cage mate. They had not been rehoused recently and they were never handled or picked up with tongs or other implements, nor had they been dropped (or had anything dropped on them). They were both quite large (as polymorpha go) so they may have been nearing the ends of their natural lives anyway. The fact that they did well for so long in their same enclosures suggests that the housing and substrate were not to blame. (I should clarify - while it did happen to two different polymorpha, it did not happen at the same time. I lost one that way, then a couple of years later, the same thing happened to the other one.)

In the picture you've attached, the centipede is basically on its back - which is a vulnerable position and not one that a healthy centipede is going to stay in for any length of time. Usually they will attempt to right themselves right away if they are flipped over. If it remained in that position, there is a good chance that it is dying and simply lacked the energy (or motor control) to flip itself over.

Ah Thank you so much for this information, my centipede was doing just fine and then this happened. I do not know the age as it was wild caught but I think it is not that old as it isn't too big.

 

[NYAN]

I do not know what my centipede likes to eat so I gave it a variety of food from my neighborhood (moth, slug, snail, cockroaches, stink bug, silver fish, small frog, potato bugs, and very small earth worms). The prey is alive. It is generally a terrible idea to do this but we have a no pesticide/herbicide/etc rule here. And centipedes regularly can be found here.

How do you know that they weren’t exposed to chemicals prior to introducing it to your pede?

 

[Teds ts and Inverts]

Hi,
I'm in desperate need of help. My centipede is either
SCOLOPENDRA SUBSPINIPES or
LETHOBIUS SP.
I live in Hawaii and recently caught a centipede I'd like to seriously keep as a pet. It currently lives in a bucket with "Ecoearth" and a few leaves and rocks. I am waiting to buy a proper set up when I get enough money.

It's head along with the following 4-5 segments are
paralyzed/immobile. I also noticed a white kind of blob coming from it's back end. It's last set of legs, the sensory ones, is missing a leg. When I first caught the centipede it was in good health, only stressed out by the new environment.

I do not know what my centipede likes to eat so I gave it a variety of food from my neighborhood (moth, slug, snail, cockroaches, stink bug, silver fish, small frog, potato bugs, and very small earth worms). The prey is alive. It is generally a terrible idea to do this but we have a no pesticide/herbicide/etc rule here. And centipedes regularly can be found here.

I fear it is dying, I think the snail or slug could have crushed it? Though I would not think so because I've seen centipedes of similar size prey upon them. It's other legs seem to be working fine and I can not see any unusual coloration or physical characteristics.

Then I thought it was molting but usually they go deep under ground to do that. None of it's prey is known to be a predator of centipedes. I know I must sound like a total amateur. Thank you for your responses in advance, I'm sure they will help Here is a picture:

I have never had this happen to any of my pedes (although I’m fairly new to keeping pedes), nor have I heard of this happening before, until now obviously. Hope the pede pulls through! Keep us posted

 

[StampFan]

First, your centipede is not a Lithobius species. The Lithobiomorpha or Stone Centipedes have only 15 pairs of legs. Your centipede is one of the Scolopendromorpha, which generally have 21 pairs of legs. (There are a few Scolopendromorpha species that have 23 pairs of legs). In Hawaii, it is going to be Scolopendra subspinipes.

Unfortunately, what you are describing - where the head and front segments appear paralyzed - does not sound like something that can be "fixed." I've had the same thing happen with a couple of Scolopendra polymorpha, where the front part of the body appeared paralyzed, but the back part seemed to be working normally. I'm not sure what happened - perhaps a failed molt that cut off oxygen to that portion of the body? - but it was eventually fatal. With the head not functioning properly, they were unable to feed and eventually starved to death.

The centipedes in both cases were wild-caught polymorpha that I'd had for a number of years, and that had molted succesfully for me multiple times during that period. They were not exposed to pesticides or given any wild-caught prey, they didn't have any cage mates, and the only feeders I ever gave them were the same store-bought crickets I give to all of my inverts, so I can rule out both poisoning and injury from a predator or cage mate. They had not been rehoused recently and they were never handled or picked up with tongs or other implements, nor had they been dropped (or had anything dropped on them). They were both quite large (as polymorpha go) so they may have been nearing the ends of their natural lives anyway. The fact that they did well for so long in their same enclosures suggests that the housing and substrate were not to blame. (I should clarify - while it did happen to two different polymorpha, it did not happen at the same time. I lost one that way, then a couple of years later, the same thing happened to the other one.)

In the picture you've attached, the centipede is basically on its back - which is a vulnerable position and not one that a healthy centipede is going to stay in for any length of time. Usually they will attempt to right themselves right away if they are flipped over. If it remained in that position, there is a good chance that it is dying and simply lacked the energy (or motor control) to flip itself over.

I had the same thing, head and front segments appeared paralyzed as well in a newly acquired flag tailed centipede a couple of months ago. Poor thing just continued to get more paralyzed until I found it dead with head in the little bottlecap water dish. I bought two at the same time; the other is in the same substrate, same style enclosure, same feeding schedule, etc. and its doing fine.

I often attribute these types of weird things to being wild caught, and really, who knows what they come to you with....fungal issues, parasites, genetic issues, previous injuries or trauma from the wild or previous care, etc. etc....

 

[chanda]

I had the same thing, head and front segments appeared paralyzed as well in a newly acquired flag tailed centipede a couple of months ago. Poor thing just continued to get more paralyzed until I found it dead with head in the little bottlecap water dish. I bought two at the same time; the other is in the same substrate, same style enclosure, same feeding schedule, etc. and its doing fine.

I often attribute these types of weird things to being wild caught, and really, who knows what they come to you with....fungal issues, parasites, genetic issues, previous injuries or trauma from the wild or previous care, etc. etc....

The wild caught aspect can certainly have something to do with it - particularly with recent catches - but I had both of mine for years before it happened to them. If they'd had some sort of prior problem, I would have expected it to manifest much sooner - certainly before I'd had them for 4-5 years and they'd molted multiple times.

 

[Nicholas Rothstein]

How do you know that they weren’t exposed to chemicals prior to introducing it to your pede?

As I've said the whole neighborhood has a no pesticide/herbicide/etc rule and I live in the center of it. The prey was caught very near my house, the same place where many other centipedes live. Though it may be a possibility I do not think so.

 

[NYAN]

As I've said the whole neighborhood has a no pesticide/herbicide/etc rule and I live in the center of it. The prey was caught very near my house, the same place where many other centipedes live. Though it may be a possibility I do not think so.

Fair enough, but you never know if people abide by it.

Another likely possibility is that the pede had some sort of parasite, fungus or something else.

 

[REEFSPIDER]

I've been in contact with a variety of native Hawaiians regarding centipedes via instagram, Forging a relationship and helping people understand the importance of these creatures to the islands ecology. I'm glad to see another Hawaii local here on the boards! Sucks as it has been stated this pede will likely not recover but you live in HI so you can find more! Cheers and good luck in your endeavours to find and keep cool pedes

 

[NYAN]

I've been in contact with a variety of native Hawaiians regarding centipedes via instagram, Forging a relationship and helping people understand the importance of these creatures to the islands ecology. I'm glad to see another Hawaii local here on the boards! Sucks as it has been stated this pede will likely not recover but you live in HI so you can find more! Cheers and good luck in your endeavours to find and keep cool pedes

How do you do this? People think they climb in your bed to bite you and attack as a pack over there.

 

[REEFSPIDER]

How do you do this? People think they climb in your bed to bite you and attack as a pack over there.

Just good old fashioned communication, education, and by implementing a common enemy, trust me I know how bad they hate pedes, I follow a couple 'locals only' type ig pages because i plan to immigrate to the Aina someday and study native hawaiian culture, and a common hashtag as of late last year was 'centipedechallenge' in which pedes were thrown onto friends etc, I've found that by opening up conversation with people who fear these animals, showing them some of my specimens, and informing them of the importance they have for nature, I've seen nearly 100% turnaround in those I've spoken with and some of the people I've reached out to are now keeping native scorpions and centipedes that they caught because they now have interest in these creatures. An easy bridge to the gap has been a common hate for pest roaches in Hawaii, by simply explaining to people that centipedes are roach killing machines they're turned around right there, if they're a little stubborn i explain how centipedes are not coming in to seek human contact or harm them or their pets, they're simply seeking shelter, warmth, water, or food ie. roaches that otherwise would seek out their cupboards or other food sources. I find that by educating on the balance of predator prey ratios in relation to centipede and roach population its very successful in convincing people to let the centipedes live.

 

[Scoly]

This (head paralysis aka shoveling syndrome) happens to long term captive specimens too, in some cases it goes away, in some cases it comes back after a while. To me this would suggest that it is unlikely that pesticide exposure is the cause. It may also be that there are multiple things which can cause this.

The prime suspect in my book is mycosis, or some other kind of infection, which some specimens have and others don't. This would explain why two otherwise identical specimens kept in indentical conditions can go different ways. It also explains why some white leg specimens can be kept at high humidity, and others rapidly deteriorate until you dry things up.

It could also be a problem with an imminent moult.

I have solved this problem in the past by drying the enclosure and upping the temperature a bit, though if you've collected a native specimen I would presume the ambient temperature in a bucket outdoors is adequate...

 

[Dennis Nedry]

Had something similar happen to a Cormocephalus recently. Had the centipede for years and had no problems, if the centipede wasn’t getting old I wouldn’t be surprised if it were a fungal infection or something

 

[Nicholas Rothstein]

Update: Centipede only has a few moveable segments left. My poor guy is suffering . I did find tiny little hoping grey bugs. Very small. I wanted to exam it close so I put my centipede on a white sheet on paper. These little grey bugs began hoping off of it. Could they be mites???

 

[Nicholas Rothstein]

I've been in contact with a variety of native Hawaiians regarding centipedes via instagram, Forging a relationship and helping people understand the importance of these creatures to the islands ecology. I'm glad to see another Hawaii local here on the boards! Sucks as it has been stated this pede will likely not recover but you live in HI so you can find more! Cheers and good luck in your endeavours to find and keep cool pedes

Yeah I really think centipedes are cute and interesting. Unfortunately many people do not understand but it is understandable as almost everyone you meet here has been bitten or knows someone who has been biten by a centipede.

 

[REEFSPIDER]

Update: Centipede only has a few moveable segments left. My poor guy is suffering . I did find tiny little hoping grey bugs. Very small. I wanted to exam it close so I put my centipede on a white sheet on paper. These little grey bugs began hoping off of it. Could they be mites???

Probably springtails if they hop

 

[Elytra and Antenna]

Update: Centipede only has a few moveable segments left. My poor guy is suffering . I did find tiny little hoping grey bugs. Very small. I wanted to exam it close so I put my centipede on a white sheet on paper. These little grey bugs began hoping off of it. Could they be mites???

Maybe amphipods.

 

[Nicholas Rothstein]

Update: I was thinking about what could have killed my Centipede and the suggestion of chemicals came to mind. I previously used the bucket to house roaches and I put Vaseline on the walls. I cleaned the bucket but could some left over Vaseline kill centipedes????

 

[Scoly]

Update: I was thinking about what could have killed my Centipede and the suggestion of chemicals came to mind. I previously used the bucket to house roaches and I put Vaseline on the walls. I cleaned the bucket but could some left over Vaseline kill centipedes????

Unlikely. Also, based on what everyone elae is saying its unlikely to be from an artificial chemical, as the odds of it being that in each of their cases is quite slim.

Your centipede is probably beyond recovery right now by the sounds of it, so I'd throw it in the freezer and put it out of its misery. Sorry to say.