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Ethmostigmus rubripes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Ethmostigmus rubripes (Brandt, 1840) |
Ethmostigmus rubripes Common name: Giant centipede. This is the largest native Australasian centipede. Head and body length 7.5 to over 16 cm (6¼ inches). Body long and flattened; dark or greenish-brown to orange or orange-yellow. Legs and antennae yellow
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It is found in both dry and moist habitats, usually in sheltered places such as under logs, leaf litter and bark. It is solitary, terrestrial and a nocturnal predator. It is found throughout Australia; Solomon Islands, New Guinea, Indonesia, Southeast Asia and China.
The centipede has modified claws called forcipules which curve around its head and can deliver venom into its prey. The venom is toxic to both mammals and insects, but does not appear to be strong enough to kill large animals quickly. It can cause severe pain in humans which can last for several days but which can be relieved somewhat by the application of icepacks. Some people report "intense pain", while others claim it is no worse than a wasp sting.
Common
- Wildlife of Tropical North Queensland. 2000. Queensland Museum. ISBN 0-7242-9349-3
- Ménez, André et al. "Venom apparatus and toxicity of the centipede Ethmostigmus rubripes (Chilopoda, Scolopendridae)." Journal of Morpholgy. 2005. Vol. 206, Issue 3, pp. 303-312.
- Cooktown Local News, Issue 307, March 28, 2007, pp. 1 and 11.
[1] Australian Museum online] Australian Faunal Directory