Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede Care Sheet

Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede
(Scolopendra sp.)
by Jon Fouskaris
*Information provided by Frank Somma

Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede
UNSEXED ADULT
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede is a rarely-imported sapphire treasure of the centipede world. These centipedes have exquisite coloration and the potential to get considerably large! The photo to the left doesn't do this species justice. The overall color is a greenish-blue, with a brighter blue color around the legs. This azure coloration is unique in centipedes, which adds to its' appeal. Unfortunately the scientific name past genus remains a mystery for the Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede, like many of the Scolopendra centipedes recognized by this hobby. The Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede is not a tropical species, so a nicely set-up savannah terrarium with an organic peat moss substrate will do. The only factor stopping the Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede from making a perfect display animal is its' habit of burying itself under the substrate. For viewing, you might have to dig up your centipede (this requires great skill, not to mention courage). The Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede is hardly available in the pet trade, and it is not a starter centipede. Huge, fast, and fearsome, like many of the Scolopendra centipedes, the Tanzanian Blue Leg Centipede must be treated with caution.

Range	Savannah and grassland areas from Tanzania through Kenya.
Type	Burrowing.
Diet	Babies will eat pinhead crickets, or other small insects. Adults will consume almost any creature that is not larger that itself, including large crickets, cockroaches, small mice, and even fuzzy rats.
Full Grown Size	Up to 9 inches.
Growth	Medium speed.
Temperature	75 to 80° F.
Humidity	75 to 80%.
Temperament	Aggressive and nervous.
Housing	Babies can live in a roomy clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 10 to 15-gallon tank. The tank should be twice as long, and at least as wide as the individual. Floor space is as important as height. In this case, the height is not important for climbing, just to prevent escapes by the centipede running up the side of the tank.
Substrate	4 to 6 inches of peat moss.
Decor	No decorations are really needed.
Other Names	Blue Leg Centipede, Blue Legged Centipede, Tanzanian Blue Legged Centipede, Tanzanian Giant Blue Leg Centipede, and Tanzanian Giant Blue Legged Centipede.

*Please note that ALL centipedes have a certain amount of venom. Although most people would not die from this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this centipede. Affects of this centipedes' natural defenses may vary between people. All centipedes should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!