The Chinese Red-headed Centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans), also known as the Chinese Red Head, is a species of centipede found in East Asia and Australia. This creature is found typically in damp, moist environments, where it grows to an average length of 8 inches.
In ancient Chinese traditions, this species is used for its healing properties. Placing a Chinese red head on a rash or other skin ailment is said to speed up the healing process.
This species is known for harboring little to no aggression to other centipedes, a trait extremely rare amongst giant centipedes. This trait allows it to be kept communally. The female is known to incubate her eggs, guarding them by wrapping her body around the clutch until it hatches.
Image Caption: Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans. Credit: Yasunori Koide/Wikipedia(CC BY-SA 3.0)
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