Scolopendra subspinipes piceoflava ‘Black’ — Black Piceoflava Centipede
Same species as the classic Piceoflava — same bold gold and black banding, same dark red head — but with one dramatic difference: the legs are black. Where the standard piceoflava dazzles with bright golden legs that pop against the banding, the ‘Black’ form goes full contrast, replacing the golden legs with deep black to create a darker, more menacing overall look. The gold banding hits differently against an all-black leg set — sharper, more graphic, and arguably even more striking.
Two forms of the same spectacular centipede. Completely different energy.
Why Collectors Love This Form
- Black legs — deep black legs replace the golden legs of the standard piceoflava form; a dramatic departure that intensifies the contrast of the gold banding
- Gold and black banding — the same bold, high-contrast alternating bands of rich gold and deep black across the full body length as the standard form
- Dark red head — the same deep crimson-red head that anchors the tri-color look and gives the animal its volcanic, menacing character
- Darker, more aggressive aesthetic — the all-black leg set gives this form a sharper, more graphic silhouette compared to the golden-legged standard form
- Rare color variant — less commonly available than the standard piceoflava; a must-have for collectors who already own the classic form
- Impressive size — a large, robust giant centipede with substantial enclosure presence
Care Overview
- Origin: Old World — Southeast Asia; part of the Scolopendra subspinipes complex
- Enclosure: Secure terrestrial setup with escape-proof lid; deep substrate (4–6") with cork bark or flat rock hides
- Temperature: 76–86°F
- Humidity: Moderate to high — 70–80%; keep one side of substrate slightly moist
- Diet: Large crickets, roaches, and other appropriately sized prey; aggressive and enthusiastic feeder
- Venom: ⚠️ Like all large Old World Scolopendra, this species possesses medically significant venom. Bites are extremely painful and can cause intense localized pain, severe swelling, and systemic symptoms. Never handle — use long tongs for all maintenance without exception.
- Experience Level: Advanced — for experienced invertebrate keepers only
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