Scolopendra alternans

Scolopendra alternans, commonly known as the Haitian giant centipede, Caribbean giant centipede, and Florida Keys centipede, is a species of large centipede in the subfamily Scolopendrinae. The species was involved in widespread news coverage after an incident in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, in which a specimen of the extremely rare rim rock crown snake died of asphyxiation while trying to eat a Scolopendra alternans, which also died.

Appearance

Scolopendra alternans is a large species of centipede, and can grow up to 17–19 cm in length. Their colouration is generally brownish or reddish, but it varies greatly depending on location. Some American forms are yellow to orange in colour. Morphological features also vary depending on location.

Distribution

This species can be found throughout the Caribbean and northern South America, with the Florida population reevaluated as a distinct species Scolopendra longipes. They have also been reported as far north as Georgia.