From here on we will assume the reader is an insect enthusiast. For what we are about to relate is not for those who experience intense entomophobia. The Giant Yellowleg Centipede is a species only entomologists could love. So, if this is not your field then simply take note of the characteristics of the insect, for the purposes of avoiding it while traveling in Jamaica, and be on your merry way. For the rest of you bug-lovers out there, read on!
The scolopendra gigantea, also called the Peruvian Giant Yellowleg Centipede or Amazonian Giant Centipede, is the largest of the scolopendra genus. The longest recorded example measured 12 inches. Depending on the age and size, this particular centipede can have up to 23 body segments, usually in a deep maroon color and bordered with black lines. The Giant Centipede has been found all over Central and South America, including most of the Caribbean islands (such as Jamaica).
The Giant Centipede is carnivorous and has a very toxic venom, even to humans. If bitten, one would experience severe swelling, chills, fever, weakness but little pain. As the venom contains the pain reducing serotonin, one may not even know they were bitten until swelling begins to appear. Despite the symptoms, it is very unlikely the venom of a Giant Centipede will be fatal to humans. On the other hand, if a bird or mouse was bitten by the Giant, it would become breakfast. Or dinner. The typical prey for Giant Centipedes are other large insects, lizards, frogs, bats and even the beloved tarantula.
If we consider the facts with the proper perspective, it would be easy to determine the personality of the Giant Centipede is probably not all that friendly. Even at its largest, this insect has just 100 legs, one set of claws, some deadly venom and no armor. Yet it is able to catch, kill and consume bats. Logic could point us to the conclusion that Mr. Giant Centipede is a bulldozer of death, killing and eating whatever gets in his way. Or, it is simply a case of survival of the fittest.
Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean is too beautiful to ignore. There are far too many exotic things to see, hear, taste, and experience. The occasional mean-spirited Giant Centipede deep in the tropical forest is surely not worthy of preventing a luxurious vacation on a Jamaican beach, is it? Relax, enjoy and leave the giant insects for the scientists.
The scolopendra gigantea, also called the Peruvian Giant Yellowleg Centipede or Amazonian Giant Centipede, is the largest of the scolopendra genus. The longest recorded example measured 12 inches. Depending on the age and size, this particular centipede can have up to 23 body segments, usually in a deep maroon color and bordered with black lines. The Giant Centipede has been found all over Central and South America, including most of the Caribbean islands (such as Jamaica).
The Giant Centipede is carnivorous and has a very toxic venom, even to humans. If bitten, one would experience severe swelling, chills, fever, weakness but little pain. As the venom contains the pain reducing serotonin, one may not even know they were bitten until swelling begins to appear. Despite the symptoms, it is very unlikely the venom of a Giant Centipede will be fatal to humans. On the other hand, if a bird or mouse was bitten by the Giant, it would become breakfast. Or dinner. The typical prey for Giant Centipedes are other large insects, lizards, frogs, bats and even the beloved tarantula.
If we consider the facts with the proper perspective, it would be easy to determine the personality of the Giant Centipede is probably not all that friendly. Even at its largest, this insect has just 100 legs, one set of claws, some deadly venom and no armor. Yet it is able to catch, kill and consume bats. Logic could point us to the conclusion that Mr. Giant Centipede is a bulldozer of death, killing and eating whatever gets in his way. Or, it is simply a case of survival of the fittest.
Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean is too beautiful to ignore. There are far too many exotic things to see, hear, taste, and experience. The occasional mean-spirited Giant Centipede deep in the tropical forest is surely not worthy of preventing a luxurious vacation on a Jamaican beach, is it? Relax, enjoy and leave the giant insects for the scientists.
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