Scolopendra alternans, commonly known as the Haitan giant centipede,[3] Caribbean giant centipede,[4] and Florida Keys centipede,[b][5] is a species of large centipede in the subfamily Scolopendrinae.[5][2][6] 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 (Tantilla oolitica) died of asphyxiation while trying to eat a Scolopendra alternans, which also died.[7][8][9]
Scolopendra alternans is a large species of centipede, and can grow up to 17–19 cm in length.[10][1] Their colouration is generally brownish or reddish, but it varies greatly depending on location.[10][1] Some American forms are yellow to orange in colour.[10] Morphological features also vary depending on location.[1]
Scolopendra alternans is found in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Venezuela the Bahamas, Hispaniola, the Antilles, the British Virgin Islands, and Florida.[3][1][11][2] They have also been reported as far north as Georgia.[12][5][4]
Scolopendra alternans, commonly known as the Haitan 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 (Tantilla oolitica) died of asphyxiation while trying to eat a Scolopendra alternans, which also died.