Scolopendra cingulata
Scolopendra cingulata, the megarian banded centipede, is a member of Scolopendridae, a group that includes some of the largest centipedes in the world (S. gigantea may reach a length of up to 30 cm when fully grown – but don’t worry, this one isn’t found in Portugal!) Scolopendra cingulata is one of the smallest members of this clade at approximately 10-15 cm. The venom of S. cingulata is less toxic than the other scolopendrid centipedes, but they are still fast and aggressive.
The Megarian Banded Centipede is one of the few Scolopendra species found throughout southern Europe, in mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. The color intensity of these centipedes varies slightly, depending on where they are found. Their full grown size is 4 – 4.5 inches. Babies will eat pinhead crickets, or other small insects, and adults will consume almost any creature that is not larger that itself, including large crickets, other large insects, and small lizards.
All centipedes have a certain amount of venom as a natural defense. Although most people are not seriously affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation.
Pliny the Elder said that for scolopendra bite a wonderful remedy is for the wounded person to touch the top of his head with a drop of his own urine, when his wound is at once healed!
POISONOUS: do not handle!
