Chances of centipede cannibalisation

[Staehilomyces]

Once you have confirmed the genders of 2 centipedes and put them together, how likely is it that one of them will end up as dinner? I've seen images of some successful attempts, but I don't know if there are any guidelines required (breeding season and other environmental factors).

 

[Mastigoproctus]

There are, you shouldn't just simply put them together and walk away. What needs to happen is confirm their sex and then set up a large container/tank with the proper substrate depth on one and and debris on the other end. One of them have to be calmed down in the enclosure somewhere, then take the male and lightly set him down near the female or vise versa. Watch them real closely as all centipedes have slightly different breeding behavior, one attaching and biting the other is "foreplay" for some species where as others like heros and Polymorpha are gentle. With heros and Polymorpha the male will simply hide under something, stick his terminal legs out at the female and start shaking them to attract her, then he will build his sperm web. I know that with all species something can go wrong and you will then have to separate them and I'll tell you what, seperateing 2 angry pedes with a death grip on each other is no easy task and envenomations happen often in this kinda situation if you dont know what you are doing. Also you better be ready to take one for the team (an envenomation) if you wanna make sure they don't kill each other. Now this isn't usually what happens but sometimes it can and you need to be ready for it. Mating pedes is imo somewhat easy, but getting them to lay eggs and making sure the process goes smoothly isn't always as easy as it seems. They also like to eat the eggs if mommy gets stressed out. So put simply breeding pedes can be a challenge. I suggest you start with Ethmostigmus or Heros seeing as they are super easy to mate and never seem to attack each other as long as you fallow this process and let one calm down before introducing the other. Oh and just to add, some species seem to only lay eggs certain times of year and even humidity can effect it too imo but no ones ever proved that yet. Anyway you would need to tell me what species you are working with for me to give you a more accurate answer on temp and whatnot.

 

[Staehilomyces]

Thanks, Mastigoproctus! The centipedes I intend to breed are Australian species such as Ethmostigmus rubripes and various Cormocephalus species (as well as possibly one particular color morph of Scolopendra laeta). I had a general idea, for instance, I knew not to just drop one individual on top of the other and expect love at first sight! But thank you so much for helping me eliminate any doubts or hesitations. In the future, I may try to earn some money from selling some 'pedes but at the moment, I'll be happy to get the breeding thing out of the way before worrying about anything else.

 

[zonbonzovi]

I've had mixed results from leaving mates together and just don't attempt it any longer. Even those of confirmed sex can be nasty toward one another. I typically keep a spray bottle set to stream and a set of tongs/chopsticks handy in case things get rough. They will generally separate when sprayed directly. As Mastiogproctus mentioned, a large enclosure where they can get away from one another is a good bet. I have a 20 gallon(larger species like dehaani and similar) for this purpose set up with hides and solid objects where the male can attach webbing and the spermatophore. You may want something smaller with those that you are working with.

It can be frustrating once you've confirmed sex to attempt pairing and get only vicious behavior. Stick with it long enough to see if they'll calm down. I give it around 15-20 minutes. Once they engage in mating behavior the "vibe" is very different. A receptive female will allow the male to tap rhythmically at her terminal legs. The only behavior that looks potentially violent is when a male grabs the female with his terminal legs around her body...I've never seen anything bad come of it and it seems to be a centipedes' method of persuasion.

When you get set to mate your animals, do post up any information, pics, etc. I assume you're Australian and it's always a treat to see your native pedes and to note any behavior that differs from what we're accustomed to. Good luck!

 

[Mastigoproctus]

Good info!^^^^ never tried a spray bottle before, just used my hands typically. Defiantly gonna do that in the future to lessen the risk.

 

[Staehilomyces]

Thanks for the additional information zonbonzovi. That's all the detail I could ever dream of. As for you assumption of my nationality, you are 50% correct; I am an Australian-Chinese hybrid. Also, I most certainly will keep you updated on any successes I have. Thanks to you and mastigoproctus for your help.