Encounter with Singapore’s Giant Centipedes: Facts & Safety Tips

Last Updated on 2023-06-23 , 12:39 pm

Life in Singapore might not immediately suggest encounters with the kind of creatures that can make your skin crawl. If you have never laid eyes on a centipede, you may consider yourself fortunate.

However, considering the presence of centipedes in Singapore, your luck may be changing soon.

There are indeed giant centipedes in Singapore, and you might feel a chill run down your spine at your first glimpse of one.

Diversity of the Singapore Centipede: Multiple Types and Species

As stated by Singapore Wild Animals, the diversity of the centipede in Singapore is surprisingly broad. There are about four different types of centipedes and 29 unique species that inhabit the city-state.

One that stands out amongst them is the Scolopendra subspinipes.

Not only does its name strike an ominous note, but this Singapore centipede also grows to an intimidating size.

Clocking in at up to 20 cm, this creature is considered one of the giant centipedes of the world.

The Giant Centipede Singapore: A Potentially Aggressive and Venomous Predator

This giant centipede is not a creature to trifle with. It is a notably aggressive predator and, according to petbugs.com, won’t hesitate to consume any creature smaller than itself, even including mice.

Unlike our cockroach acquaintances that scatter at the first sign of a human, this Singapore centipede won’t back down easily. The question that then arises is, are these giant centipedes poisonous?

A common misunderstanding exists around centipedes and their venom. Prior to researching for this piece, even I assumed their bites could prove fatal. The truth is, while centipedes do bite and their saliva does contain venom, their bites typically aren’t deadly.

When you see one, as long as long you don’t provoke it, it shouldn’t attack you. Just leave it alone and you’d be fine.

As stated by Orkin, a well-known pest control company, the symptoms of a centipede bite usually last only a few hours. The larger the centipede, the more intense the pain tends to be.

However, those with insect allergies or small children might experience more severe reactions and should seek medical attention immediately if bitten. If in doubt, always consult a healthcare professional to be safe.

Past Incidents Involving the Giant Centipede Singapore

Documented cases have shown that centipede bites, although usually not lethal, can have serious consequences. A tragic case from the Philippines reported a seven-year-old girl dying 29 hours after a centipede bit her on the head.

Locally in Singapore, a diabetic 56-year-old Singaporean in 2011 suffered an infected bite from a small centipede that had taken residence in his shoe.

His leg had to be amputated due to the severity of the infection. However, it is important to clarify that the infection was not caused by the centipede, as these creatures do not carry bacteria.

The Final Word on the Giant Centipede Singapore

Yes, the giant centipede Singapore is real. It’s large, it’s intimidating, and it’s venomous. However, it’s not usually a deadly threat.

Nevertheless, if you feel unwell after a centipede bite, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.

Saving a few dollars should never come at the expense of your health or even your life.