Scolopendra sp. 'Buton Black' – Buton Black Centipede | Chocolate-to-Black Giant with Cherry Head | Live Arrival Guarantee

Scolopendra sp. ‘Buton Black’ — Buton Black Centipede

Size, life stage & quantity options

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• Size / stock option: Wild Caught 5 to 7"

Measurements are reproduced as listed in the ordering options. If you need a specific body length or leg span, please confirm the measurement with us before ordering.

For a quantity, sex, or life stage not specified in your chosen option, contact Isopod King before purchasing.

From the island of Buton off the southeastern coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia comes one of the most compelling color-progression centipedes in the hobby. Scolopendra sp. ‘Buton Black’ starts life as a rich, warm dark chocolate brown — deep, smooth, and already striking as a juvenile. With each molt, the body darkens further, transitioning through deep espresso tones until reaching a true, glossy black at adulthood. Throughout every stage, the head remains a vivid cherry red — a bold, consistent accent that pops against the darkening body and makes every instar worth watching.

Raising a Buton Black from juvenile to adult is like watching a photograph develop in slow motion. Every molt is an event.

Why Collectors Love This Species

• Chocolate-to-black color progression — juveniles display a rich dark chocolate brown that deepens with each molt, eventually transitioning to a true glossy black at adulthood; one of the most rewarding color progressions in the centipede hobby
• Cherry red head — a vivid, consistent cherry-red head that contrasts sharply against the darkening body at every life stage; the defining feature of this species
• Island endemic — native to Buton Island, a geographically distinct locality off southeastern Sulawesi, Indonesia; a rare and collectible provenance
• Every instar is worth keeping — unlike species where juveniles are drab, the Buton Black is stunning at every stage of development
• Impressive adult size — a large, robust Scolopendra with commanding enclosure presence at maturity
• Extreme rarity — seldom available in the US hobby; a genuine trophy specimen

Care Overview

• Origin: Old World — Buton Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia
• Enclosure: Secure terrestrial setup with escape-proof lid; deep substrate (5–7") with cork bark or flat rock hides
• Temperature: 76–86°F
• Humidity: Moderate to high — 70–80%; keep one side of substrate slightly moist
• Diet: Appropriately sized crickets, roaches, and other prey; aggressive and enthusiastic feeder at all life stages
• Venom: ⚠️ Like all large Old World Scolopendra, this species possesses medically significant venom. Bites are extremely painful and can cause intense localized pain, severe swelling, and systemic symptoms. Never handle — use long tongs for all maintenance without exception.
• Experience Level: Advanced — for experienced invertebrate keepers only

Live Arrival Guarantee

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Report a live-arrival problem within one hour of carrier-recorded delivery or pickup. Email support@isopodking.com with your order number, clear photos of the affected animals and all packaging, and a brief description. The contact form does not accept photo attachments. Keep the animals, products, and packaging until the claim is resolved. Send any video documentation required by this listing to the same email address. Coverage and resolutions follow our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.