Nutrition

Fast and fierce predators, centipedes, and S.gigantea in particular feed on anything they are big enough to hunt and kill. Aiding in this endeavor is the poison a centipede carries with it, potent enough to neutralize small mammals and lizards, as well as give a nasty bite described akin to a gunshot wound in humans. For more details on the specific chemicals and nastys in the venom of the S.gigantea check the morphology section (link). A brief list of the prey items for this foot long killer include: frogs, lizards, rats, snakes, insects, spiders (such as the tarantula) and most recently discovered, bats.

 

Nutrition:
Centipedes have a very simple digestive system, consisting of only three parts:

1. The Foregut: This is directly after the food enters the mouth of the centipede, here food is stored and broken down further, preparing it for the next stage in the system.

2. The Midgut: This is most relatable to the intestines of mammals and other more developed digestive systems. Here food is digested and absorbed.

3. The Hindgut: The final section of the tube digestive system, here waste is released.

Travel on to Life Cycle.