Darwin’s Goliath Centipede

  • Galapagos Wildlife: Darwin's Goliath Centipede © Janette Schubert

    Darwin’s Goliath Centipede © Janette Schubert

  • Galapagos Giant Centipedes as food © Wikipedia.org

    Galapagos Giant Centipedes as food © Wikipedia.org

Species Data

Common Name Galapagos Centipede / Darwin’s Goliath Centipede
Scientific Name Scolopendra galapagensis
Spanish Name Ciempiés Galápagos
Conservation Status

Galapagos Graphics: IUCN Red List Unknown © Dan Wright

Unknown

Endemic/Native/Introduced

Endemic

Size up to 30cm long
Average Lifespan 5-7 years
Predators Galapagos Hawk and Floreana Mockingbird
Food Insects, lizards and small birds
Animal Class Insect

Species Overview

Centipedes kill their prey with venom that is injected through the tips of their poison claws. The bite can be very painful to humans. They are nocturnal and spend the day hiding from their predators. They are eaten by locals in some places and can be kept as pets as well. A lack of native large mammals has led to the centipede being so high up on the food chain.

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