This is the largest native Australian centipede and is a member of the scolopendrid family. The largest centipede in the world, Scolopendra gigantea, is a 30 cm centipede from South America that can eat mice and lizards. The Giant Centipede ranges in colour from dark blue-green-brown to orange-yellow. It has black bands along the body and yellow legs and antenna. The body is long and flattened with 25 or 27 body segments and 21 or 23 pairs of legs. The first pair of legs behind the head is modified claws which curve around its head and can deliver venom into its prey. The venom is toxic to both mammals and insects but does not appear to be strong enough to kill large animals quickly. (Text Source: Australian Museum)
