Scolopendra subspinipes basic care

EulersK

Arachnonomicon
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Feb 22, 2013
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I'm asking this question for a friend - I know my way around tarantulas, but centipedes are a whole different ball game!

She's a mother who got this for her son. They aren't entirely new when it comes to invert/exotic pets, and this will not be their first centipede. Basically, I'd like to get them the gambit of care. Is this a burrower? What kind of humidity are we talking about? How often should they feed? What enclosure would be ideal?

I appreciate any help offered, and I know they will too!

1969.jpg
 

Chris LXXIX

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Dec 25, 2014
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While I'm not definitely here the best for give advice when it comes to centipedes I can tell you how I keep my S.subspinipes.

First, the substrate. As you know I can't stand 'Scrooge/s' when it comes to substrate, so, for an adult specimen, I say always a good 6/7 inches minimum.
I keep mine moist, let's say a bit moist than my tropical T's but not wet of course. Judging my 'pede behavior I can tell you that loves to disappear (where made a nice burrow) under the cork bark. I offered the usual water dish of course.

It's when he/she's out that the fun begins... they are otherwordly, completely different than T's my man. They are more intelligent and unruly (in a good way I mean).

The issue with those is to provide a no escape enclosure and here I'm not sure if mine is the Deus Ex Machina of that, but so far no escapes.

I always offered a B.dubia (amazing hunting skills + the way those eat) when he/she's out in the open, he ate four adult roaches so far, after disappeared since forever (but alive under that cork) so I assume the no food time arrived.

I don't know if technically is a complete burrower but, again, if given the opportunity I say yes.

Here a pic from above of the set up:

thumbnail_DSC_0649.jpg
 

Naturalmommyx5

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 22, 2016
Messages
2
Can we see a pic of the whole enclosure? Like the outside of it. What kind of enclosure is that?
 

Naturalmommyx5

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 22, 2016
Messages
2
While I'm not definitely here the best for give advice when it comes to centipedes I can tell you how I keep my S.subspinipes.

First, the substrate. As you know I can't stand 'Scrooge/s' when it comes to substrate, so, for an adult specimen, I say always a good 6/7 inches minimum.
I keep mine moist, let's say a bit moist than my tropical T's but not wet of course. Judging my 'pede behavior I can tell you that loves to disappear (where made a nice burrow) under the cork bark. I offered the usual water dish of course.

It's when he/she's out that the fun begins... they are otherwordly, completely different than T's my man. They are more intelligent and unruly (in a good way I mean).

The issue with those is to provide a no escape enclosure and here I'm not sure if mine is the Deus Ex Machina of that, but so far no escapes.

I always offered a B.dubia (amazing hunting skills + the way those eat) when he/she's out in the open, he ate four adult roaches so far, after disappeared since forever (but alive under that cork) so I assume the no food time arrived.

I don't know if technically is a complete burrower but, again, if given the opportunity I say yes.

Here a pic from above of the set up:

View attachment 221008
Can we see a pic of the whole enclosure? Like the outside of it.What kind of enclosure is that?
 

magicmed

Arachnobaron
Joined
Jun 4, 2016
Messages
404
Just got one myself! I'm using one of the 27 quart sterlite locking tubs. I didn't quite trust the top so I have some masking tape on the outside for a little extra security. Obviously it's going to suck retaping that every few days so I'm planning on making a small latch door on the center of the lid for feeding, misting, and water.
 

Chris LXXIX

ArachnoGod
Joined
Dec 25, 2014
Messages
5,845
Can we see a pic of the whole enclosure? Like the outside of it.What kind of enclosure is that?
I can't at the moment (but I will, promise) post a pic of my enclosure but, no matter, here the enclosure I use (just imagine the substrate, the holes drilled etc) :)

It's a (quite cheap here in Italy) KIS enclosure, Italian brand.

http://www.kis.it/singola-variante?id=8946

P.S

I do realize and know, that 25 cm of height aren't now exactly the best everyone suggests, but centipedes do not need height at all, they aren't arboreal spiders. The only reason why height level is adviced, is because they are escape artists, but I can deal with that :eek:
 

magicmed

Arachnobaron
Joined
Jun 4, 2016
Messages
404
I can't at the moment (but I will, promise) post a pic of my enclosure but, no matter, here the enclosure I use (just imagine the substrate, the holes drilled etc) :)

It's a (quite cheap here in Italy) KIS enclosure, Italian brand.

http://www.kis.it/singola-variante?id=8946

P.S

I do realize and know, that 25 cm of height aren't now exactly the best everyone suggests, but centipedes do not need height at all, they aren't arboreal spiders. The only reason why height level is adviced, is because they are escape artists, but I can deal with that :eek:
How do you secure the lid on yours? Any extra modifications or just plop it on?
 

Chris LXXIX

ArachnoGod
Joined
Dec 25, 2014
Messages
5,845
How do you secure the lid on yours? Any extra modifications or just plop it on?
Ah ah the second you said my man :p

But anyway a good old heavy book above always works if uncertainty manage to have the upper hand -- I use good old Dante's Alighieri 'Divina Commedia - Inferno' <-- with Gustave Dorè drawings btw, for banish that devil escape attempts u_u
 

magicmed

Arachnobaron
Joined
Jun 4, 2016
Messages
404
Ah ah the second you said my man :p

But anyway a good old heavy book above always works if uncertainty manage to have the upper hand -- I use good old Dante's Alighieri 'Divina Commedia - Inferno' <-- with Gustave Dorè drawings btw, for banish that devil escape attempts u_u
Haha nice! I used to do the same thing with one of my snakes years ago!
 
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