Blue Pede

[jamurfjr]

I found this centipede in the barn under some debris. It's only two, maybe three inches long. I'm convinced that it is a Hemiscolopendra marginata—also known as a Florida Blue Centipede—with some growing to do. I've kept this species or something very similar before, but this is the first I've personally found here in Alabama. Additionally, if anyone cares to weigh in on the H. marginata/S. viridis confusion, that would be much appreciated.

 

[aNisip]

They dont like handling! be careful, but beautiful bug u got there!

 

[hierodula]

No expert one pedes, but thats one awesome invert my parent hate (besides wasps and spiders lol) My dad has really bad memories, cause he got bitten by an indian tiger centipede when he was younger and had to go to the hospital. Way cool find though

 

[Peter Clausen]

Orin would know better, but I'm guessing H. marginata on account of location and my inexperience with that species coupled with the seemingly strange blue tips on the terminal legs. Just a guess though!

 

[Orin]

That may be full size and I'd agree with H. marginata.

 

[jamurfjr]

Thanks all! Orin, somewhere I have your centipede book. I need to go through my books and dig it out.