Subject: Creepy scolopendra!
Geographic location of the bug: Colombia, South America.
Date: 11/13/2017
Time: 11:01 AM EDT
Well, today in a new (and, frankly, creepy) chapter of bugs in my room, a 4 inches long scolopendra just walked into my room through the door as if it was nothing. Welcome to the South. Even though I have phobia to those insects, and against my thirst of hemolymph with these creatures; I caught it, took some pics, and then set it free. I couldn’t really identify its species, though. Could you give me another hand?
How you want your letter signed: Still terrified, Daniel.
Dear Daniel,
We agree that this is a Bark Centipede in the order Scolopendromorpha, but species identification can be difficult due to so many species looking similar as well as due to considerable color and marking variations within a species. Many species in the order, especially large individuals like the one you encountered, are capable of delivering a painful, venomous bite, so physical contact should be avoided. The tolerance you demonstrated in catching and releasing this impressive predator has earned you the Bug Humanitarian tag.
Phew! Thanks for the Humanitarian recognition!
Well, its tail (?) was completely red and white stripped, its head was black, and it had red antennas; I don’t know if that information helps to get at least to a guess of the species. And about the bite, I know lol, I was bitten once so my phobia comes from that experience. It was actually pretty hard to catch and I’m really proud of getting the Bug Humanitarian recognition, thank you so much.
Phew! Thanks for the Humanitarian recognition!
Well, its tail (?) was completely red and white stripped, its head was black, and it had red antennas; I don’t know if that information helps to get at least to a guess of the species. And about the bite, I know lol, I was bitten once so my phobia comes from that experience. It was actually pretty hard to catch and I’m really proud of getting the Bug Humanitarian recognition, thank you so much.