Name: Ringed scolopendra (Scolopendra cingulata)
Class: Labiopods
Order: Scolopendra
family: Real centipedes
Race: Scolopendra
Appearance: The ringed scolopendra can reach sizes of up to 17 centimeters. Its legs have clearly defined segments, and its body color depends on its habitat and can vary from black and brown to reddish shades.
Habitat: This species is widespread in southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin, including countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Ukraine and Turkey, as well as in regions of North Africa, including Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia.
Lifestyle: During the day, the ringed scolopendra prefers to hide in burrows or under stones. It feeds primarily on insects, although the adult may also eat small vertebrates. Interestingly, these creatures are able to live for several weeks without food.
Reproduction: During the mating season, males and females meet by chance. After mating, the female burrows into the ground to lay eggs. She continues to care for the larvae until they reach sexual maturity. This breeding process is quite unique and highlights interesting features of the life cycle of this scolopendra species.
Lifespan: The ringed scolopendra can live up to 7 years in captivity, making it a very long-lived creature.
Keeping in captivity: To successfully keep the ringed centipede in captivity, it is necessary to provide a terrarium with a capacity of 4-5 liters per adult. It is recommended to keep them separately due to their tendency to cannibalism. The optimal humidity in the terrarium is approximately 70-80%. The temperature is maintained within 26-28 degrees Celsius. They feed on insects of the appropriate size, while adults can be offered newborn mice as food.
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