• A mature Scolopendra galapagoensis 'dark', a color morph of the centipede species known as the Galápagos centipede, poses on bark.
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Buddha Bugs

Scolopendra galapagoensis 'dark' (Galápagos centipede) 2.5"

Scolopendra galapagoensis 'dark' (Galápagos centipede) 2.5"

$325.00 USD
$325.00 USD
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Species Overview

Scolopendra galapagoensis ‘dark’ is a naturally occurring color form of the Galápagos centipede,  also commonly known as Darwin’s goliath centipede, found in Ecuador and Peru. This impressive centipede is distinguished by its predominantly dark olive to nearly black body, which contrasts with yellow-to-orange legs marked by dark brown-to-black banding that varies among individuals. Like other color forms of S. galapagoensis, it is among the largest members of the genus, with adults commonly reaching 8–10+ inches in body length.

In captivity, S. galapagoensis ‘dark’ constructs burrows and retreats beneath cork bark, rocks, and other enclosure décor. Although individuals may remain concealed during the day, they frequently emerge after dark to hunt or explore their enclosure. It is not unusual for them to exhibit diurnal activity as well. Individuals often become noticeably calmer and more inquisitive with age. Its distinctive coloration, large adult size, and engaging captive behavior have made this species especially popular among centipede keepers.

  • Common Name: Galápagos centipede; Darwin's goliath centipede
  • Derivative Range: Ecuador and Peru
  • Life Habit: Terrestrial burrower
  • Adult Size: 8–10+ inches in body length
  • Lifespan: Approximately 5–8+ years under optimal conditions
  • Temperament: Fast but generally mellows out with age
  • Care Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Scolopendra galapagoensis ‘dark’ Care

Scolopendra galapagoensis ‘dark’ adapts well to captivity when provided with a secure enclosure, adequate substrate depth, predominantly dry conditions, constant access to fresh water, and a localized humidity gradient. This species is fast-moving and capable of climbing textured surfaces, making secure, escape-proof enclosures essential for housing and during routine maintenance.

  • Enclosure: 4” cube, or similar for pedelings, upgraded as needed with growth; 18” cube or larger enclosures for adults. Enclosures should be secure with a tight-fitting, solid lid without mesh.
  • Substrate: Provide sufficient depth of predominantly dry substrate. Coconut fiber, peat moss, topsoil, and similar substrates work well. Provide cork bark or similar enclosure features that allow the centipede to establish burrows beneath them.
  • Temperature: 72–82°F.
  • Humidity: Moderate ambient humidity is generally sufficient. Most of the substrate should remain dry; however, approximately 25% should retain moisture to provide a humidity gradient. Avoid consistently wet conditions.
  • Diet: Appropriately sized crickets, cockroaches, and other feeder insects.
  • Feeding: Pedelings can be offered appropriately sized prey one to two times weekly, with smaller specimens often benefiting from more frequent offerings. Juveniles and adults are typically fed every 7–14 days, with feeding frequency adjusted based on prey size, growth rate, and the condition of the individual animal.
  • Water: Provide access to fresh water in a water dish at all times and periodically moisten a small portion of the substrate opposite the main burrow to maintain a humidity gradient.
  • Routine Maintenance: Remove uneaten prey, monitor moisture levels, and spot-clean when necessary.

Natural History

The ‘dark’ color form of Scolopendra galapagoensis maintained in captivity is derived from mainland populations in Ecuador and Peru, where it inhabits tropical dry forests and arid scrubland environments with abundant natural cover. During the day, these centipedes remain beneath rocks, fallen logs, and within self-excavated burrows to avoid desiccation and predators. After nightfall, they emerge to actively hunt a wide variety of invertebrates and other suitably sized prey, relying on speed, powerful forcipules, and venom to subdue their prey. Although primarily an active predator, S. galapagoensis is also an opportunistic feeder and may consume carrion, fallen fruit, animal droppings, and other organic material when available.

Shipping

Shipping method for live animal orders:

For orders containing live animals, shipping is offered throughout the continental US (48 states) through FedEx Priority Overnight. Orders containing both live and non-live products may be shipped together or seperately, depending on the items in the order, their sizes, and whether everything can fit in a single shipment. Orders with live and non-live products which need to be shipped seperately will incur additional shipping costs for the separate USPS shipping of the non-live items. Shipments containing live animals are dropped off on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for next-day arrival. By default, we ship all packages held for pickup to the closest FedEx Ship Center to the order address, requiring in-person pickup at that FedEx Ship Center. Home delivery of live animal orders is possible; however, packages shipped for delivery rather than held for pick up are not eligible for LAG, and doing so is against our advisement and at the customer's risk. This does not apply to customers who do not have a FedEx Ship Center near them that is authorized to accept live animal shipments; in these cases, orders will be shipped for home delivery, and LAG will be honored.

We also offer expo pickup and a DFW local meet-up option so you can save on shipping. See Expo Schedule for details. 

Shipping method for non-live orders:

For shipments containing no live animals, shipping is available to all 50 states via USPS Ground Advantage or USPS Priority Mail. Non-live shipments will be sent directly to the address listed on the order, typically on the day the order is placed or the following day. 

What to expect after placing an order:

After you place an order on our website, we will contact you within 12 hours to provide the delivery date and the FedEx pickup location. Please respond and let us know if that works for you. The package will NOT be shipped until we have your confirmation. A tracking number will be provided on the day of shipment.

There will be times when shipping must be delayed due to weather, our schedule, or if a tarantula you ordered has recently molted or appears to be about to molt. You will be notified if that happens, and we will work out another date. 

Carrier delays happen, so please ensure you or someone you know will be available to pick up your package, even if it's 1-3 days late. 

Live Arrival Guarantee (LAG):

Buddha Bugs offers LAG but ONLY when the following conditions are met:

  • "Freebies" are not covered by LAG.
  • For the safety of the animals and to ensure the best chance of live arrival, orders must be shipped to your nearest authorized FedEx Ship Center and held for pickup to be eligible for LAG. This does not apply to customers who do not have a FedEx Ship Center near them that is authorized to accept live animal shipments; in these cases, orders will be shipped for home delivery, and LAG will be honored.
  • The package must be picked up from FedEx on the day it arrives; any time during the store’s opening hours is fine. Please bring a valid ID. Picking up packages on any day other than the day of arrival will void the LAG. 
  • In the unlikely event of a DOA, we require notice and evidence within 3 hours of pickup. You must provide a clear photo/video of the deceased specimen. Refunds will not include shipping costs, and replacements may not always be available.
  • ANY DEVIATION OF THIS CAN RESULT IN LAG VOID

Home delivery is available upon request, but LAG is not offered for shipments sent for home delivery if there is an authorized FedEx Ship Center within 60 miles of the customer's zip code, due to the unpredictability of this shipping method. This does not apply to customers who do not have a FedEx Ship Center near them that is authorized to accept live animal shipments; in these cases, orders will be shipped for home delivery, and LAG will be honored.

Due to the risk to the animals, even in circumstances where the customer accepts LAG being voided for home delivery shipments, we will not ship animals for home delivery at or above 90°F or at or below 35°F.

Please remember that FedEx DOES NOT reimburse Buddha Bugs for lost packages or the loss of any live animals. We take every precaution we can to ensure your new pets arrive safely. 

Returns & Refunds

 

Returns & Refunds:

We DO NOT accept returns on live animals.

Non-live animal products may be returned for a refund within 14 days of delivery. The product must be unused and in its original packaging. After we receive your return, refunds will be processed within 5-10 business days. Refunds will not include shipping costs. Used products will be rejected and shipped back to the customer when possible. 

You will be refunded immediately if any animal in your order arrives dead. Please see our Shipping Policy for LAG details.

For online purchases with local pickup, pickup at a show, or for purchases made at a show, the customer is responsible for inspecting the purchased items and verifying that they are to their satisfaction. If they are not, they must express any dissatisfaction before the sale is completed, as all sales are final. We are not liable for damages after the customer receives their items due to issues including but not limited to the customer mishandling transport and/or overheating animals. 

Cancellations:  

We require a ~3% (2.9% + $0.30) cancellation fee on all cancellations. This is a non-recoverable fee we are charged when processing your payment, and it is not refunded to us by Shopify when an order is canceled or a refund is issued. Canceling orders creates extra labor and costs on our end and reduces available stock for others who may be interested, so please make sure you are committed before placing an order.

If a product in your order is out of stock, we will contact you and offer the option to cancel part or all of your order. There's no extra fee for this; we apologize for any inconvenience.

Some Poecilotheria species cannot be shipped across state lines, as clearly stated in the product titles and product details. Please do not purchase if you live outside of Texas, or that portion/your whole order will be canceled and refunded immediately; you will also be charged a 10% cancellation fee, which will be deducted from the refund.

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