Scolopendra morsitans
Scolopendra morsitans, also known as the Tanzanian blue ringleg or red-headed centipede, is a centipede in the family Scolopendridae. "S. morsitans" is the type species for the genus "Scolopendra." Adult red-headed centipedes grow to around 13 centimetres and are characterised by their red heads and striated body segments. The species is found across all major inhabited continents and is highly invasive. The centipede is an oppertunistic predator that feeds primarily on other invertebrates as well as some small vertebrates, using venom to incapacitate its prey which it injects using the fang-like toxicognaths located on its  head segment. They should not be confused with the Chinese red-headed Centipede ("Scolopendra subspines") or the Tanzanian Blue Ring Centipede ("Ethmostigmus trignopdus trignopodus"), both of which have similar sounding common names to "Scolopendra morsitans". Description. "Scolopendra morsitans" can grow between 10 and 15 cm in length; females are generally larger. Antennae have a minimum of 17 segments, but sources differ on maximum length. They have eight eyes in total, four on each side of the head. They feed on other arthropods, such as spiders and small insects, and cockroaches. When in captivity, they may feed on small vertebrates (mice , frogs, etc.). It is common across Southern Africa, Australia, and has also been found in Southern Asia and the Caribbean. It is considered an invasive species in some locations. Life Cycle. To begin reproduction, the male spins a small web. This web-spinning is quite common across all centipedes. The male then deposits a bean-shaped package of sperm on the web, which the female later picks up with her genitals. Their brood chambers are typically found under rocks and stones, and can be up to 10 cm deep. Females can lay up to 86 greenish eggs in such chambers . The female will curl around the eggs until they hatch.They take 4 years to mature, and can live a total of 10. This life span is not unusual for a centipede- "Scolopendra subspinipes" can also live up to ten years. Behaviour. Tanzanian blue ringlegs, along with other centipedes of the genus "Scolopendra," are known to use their rear legs, known as ultimate legs, in threat displays—raising the appendages aggressively when approached from behind. This behaviour is thought to be a form of automimicry, confusing potential predators by disguising their vulnerable flanks as their fang-bearing heads. Scolopendra morsitans