Tiger Centipede

Tiger Centipede

Scolopendra polymorpha, commonly known as the Tiger Centipede, is a species of centipede in the family Scolopendridae. It is known for the distinctive dark bands across its body segments, giving it a tiger-striped appearance.

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Tiger Centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) – Image from iNaturalist

Description

Scolopendra polymorpha typically grows to 4–7 inches (10–18 cm) in length. Its coloration varies widely, ranging from light brown to brick red, and sometimes olive, yellow, or bluish hues. A dark band usually runs across each tergite (body segment), inspiring the nickname "Tiger Centipede."

The species name, polymorpha, means "many forms" in Latin, reflecting its variable coloration.

Habitat and Range

This species is distributed across the southwestern United States, from Louisiana to California and Oregon, and south into northern Mexico. S. polymorpha typically inhabits arid environments and tolerates a broad temperature range, from 65–90°F (18–32°C).

Diet

S. polymorpha is a nocturnal predator. It feeds on arthropods, which it subdues using venom-injecting maxillipeds (modified front legs). Larger individuals may prey on small reptiles or mammals.

Venom

The venom contains a peptide called SPC13, which exhibits antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa — major causes of hospital-acquired infections.

In mice, the venom has been shown to cause muscle damage, necrosis, and mitochondrial disruption, evidenced by the presence of ragged red fibers.

Venom regeneration is limited. After venom extraction, only 65–86% of venom volume and 29–47% of protein mass is regenerated within 48 hours. No further regeneration is observed, even after seven months. Larger centipedes regenerate venom more slowly than smaller ones, indicating that body size negatively correlates with regeneration rate, making size a limiting factor.