Scolopendra ssp. Malaysian Tiger/Riau Giant

Comatose

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 25, 2004
Messages
506
Sorry for the not-so-amazing picture quality, but thought I’d share a few shots of these incredible animals. This species (or variant) is found on the Riau Islands in Malaysia (and possibly in very limited numbers on the mainland). They’re incredibly rare due to their limited range.

While their coloration brings about comparisons to S. morsitans they’re actually more similar to S. subspinipes, though they may be a novel species. The adult pictured below is easily 9”; build is oddly similar to Scolopendra sp. “white legs”.

In my limited time with this larger specimen I can say it’s been a pleasure too keep. It is insanely active and inquisitive, but not darty or flighty. They’re apparently arboreal - the I’m keeping I have in 25 dram vials with room to burrow and climb, and they do both.

Pictures below are the aforementioned adult, a 3-4” juvenile and a 2-3i pling.

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Sizzlipede

Arachnopeon
Joined
Oct 13, 2020
Messages
24
Great pictures. I’ve wanted to see high-quality images of this species for a while.

Michael Dixon was envenomated by one of his Riau giants (first accidentally, then intentionally) and said it was far worse than S. dehaani, even more painful than a serious rattlesnake bite, and caused lasting nerve damage.
 

Comatose

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 25, 2004
Messages
506
Great pictures.

You probably don’t need to be told this, but be careful with this species. It apparently has the nastiest bite of any centipede. Michael Dixon said it was far worse than S. dehaani, even more painful than a serious rattlesnake bite, and caused lasting nerve damage.
I’ve heard that as well, though potentially from the same source. For the time being I only have plings (the adult and Juv I imported for a breeder and only had them for a few days) so I’m not in too much danger I think. I also generally approach centipedes cautiously regardless. I’ve only been bitten once very early in my keeping days over 20 years ago, and it was due to an easily avoidable act of negligence on my part.

FWIW I’ve heard similar claims about hardwickei, which we also have.
 

Sizzlipede

Arachnopeon
Joined
Oct 13, 2020
Messages
24
I’ve heard that as well, though potentially from the same source. For the time being I only have plings (the adult and Juv I imported for a breeder and only had them for a few days) so I’m not in too much danger I think. I also generally approach centipedes cautiously regardless. I’ve only been bitten once very early in my keeping days over 20 years ago, and it was due to an easily avoidable act of negligence on my part.

FWIW I’ve heard similar claims about hardwickei, which we also have.
Yes, it’s best to treat any animal with caution and respect. I do the same with my relatively harmless New World Ts.

With 20+ years of keeping experience, you definitely don’t need any advice from me, haha.
 

Comatose

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 25, 2004
Messages
506
Yes, it’s best to treat any animal with caution and respect. I do the same with my relatively harmless New World Ts.

With 20+ years of keeping experience, you definitely don’t need any advice from me, haha.
Hahaha no please don’t take it that way - advice is always appreciated, and plenty of people spend years and years developing bad habits. I love mountain biking, I’ve been doing it for years, and I suck at it. 👍
 

Teds ts and Inverts

Arachnobaron
Joined
Nov 10, 2017
Messages
504
Sorry for the not-so-amazing picture quality, but thought I’d share a few shots of these incredible animals. This species (or variant) is found on the Riau Islands in Malaysia (and possibly in very limited numbers on the mainland). They’re incredibly rare due to their limited range.

While their coloration brings about comparisons to S. morsitans they’re actually more similar to S. subspinipes, though they may be a novel species. The adult pictured below is easily 9”; build is oddly similar to Scolopendra sp. “white legs”.

In my limited time with this larger specimen I can say it’s been a pleasure too keep. It is insanely active and inquisitive, but not darty or flighty. They’re apparently arboreal - the I’m keeping I have in 25 dram vials with room to burrow and climb, and they do both.

Pictures below are the aforementioned adult, a 3-4” juvenile and a 2-3i pling.

View attachment 381028 View attachment 381029 View attachment 381030 View attachment 381031 View attachment 381032 View attachment 381033 View attachment 381034 View attachment 381035 View attachment 381036 View attachment 381038
I might just have to get a couple of these.... My god they’re gorgeous! Thx for sharing :)
 

HunterScolo

Arachnosquire
Joined
Apr 17, 2018
Messages
53
Wow… that last one is stunning. I’ve never seen another like that in the US hobby.
definitely makes you wonder if they’re the same species as the “Malaysian jewel”
 
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