Sonoran Desert Centipede
Scolopendra heros castaneiceps
This amazing arthropod hides during the hot day and emerges at night to
hunt. It is quick and agile. Its fore legs are stout, powerfully muscled
and have claws modified for injecting venom. These help subdue prey or
defend against larger predators. Though ‘centipede’ means 100 legs, it
actually has only about 40 legs.
Fact file:
Lifespan: 5 yrs
Ecological Role: Predator
Habitat: Desert and arid scrubland
Prey: Insects and tiny rodents
Current Range: Southwest United States