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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Centipedes (Chilopoda) » Tropical Centipedes (Scolopendromorpha) » Scolopendridae » Scolopendra » Giant Redheaded Centipede (Scolopendra heros)
Photo#335592
Giant Red-headed centipede - Scolopendra heros
Copyright © 2009 GemGirl

Giant Red-headed centipede - Scolopendra heros
Wilburton, OK, Robbers Cave State Park County, Oklahoma, USA
September 20, 2009
Size: 12 inches +
We just stumbled across our first S.Heros and boy, was he a whopper! We were camping in Wilburton, OK (S.E. Oklahoma) and were hiking in Robbers Cave State Park. About 75 feet from the cave entrance, this giant crossed our path! We managed to chase him up a tree to capture this great picture. He definitely hits 12 inches! We feel blessed to have seen such a fascinating creature!
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Contributed by GemGirl on 21 September, 2009 - 2:38pm
Last updated 19 October, 2009 - 10:44pm

Moved
Moved from ID Request.
… Ken Schneider, 19 October, 2009 - 5:53pm login or register to post comments

Scolopendra heros complex
This is the largest centipede in the US.
There are several geographic forms ("subspecies") and considerable individual variation in some localities.

They are not considered "dangerous", but can inflict a very painful "bite" (mildly venomous)...f.y.i. It's actually not a "bite" since the "fang-like" structures are tarsi and not mouthparts! Centipedes are the only known animals to inject venom through their "toes"!
… Bill Reynolds, 21 September, 2009 - 2:44pm login or register to post comments

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