Egyptian Rainbow Centipede (Scolopendra cingulata) - 2-3 in

Egyptian Rainbow Centipede for sale from Big Z's (Scolopendra cingulata). Spice-rated keeper notes, care guidance, and live-arrival packing where eligible.

Mediterranean banding with a hidden shimmer

Scolopendra cingulata, the Egyptian Rainbow (or Mediterranean Banded Centipede), is the centipede of the Mediterranean basin and North Africa: olive-and-amber segments with subtle multi-tone banding that catches a faint “rainbow” sheen at the right angle. It is noticeably smaller than the big tropical Asian Scolopendra, with husbandry that’s more forgiving than the giants (drier, with one humid retreat).

Do not let “smaller” and “forgiving husbandry” lull you. The bite is not generally considered medically significant, but it can be extremely painful and some keepers react badly enough to need medical attention, on top of the usual centipede speed and escape-artist track record. Strict display-only, secure-lid, forceps-for-maintenance, and the escape-proofing is not optional.

The numbers live in the care guide. Enclosure size, temps, humidity, feeding schedule, premolt signs, handling boundaries: it's all in the care guide for this exact fella. Start with the full Advanced guide, or click for the quick Open the Simple version →