Scolopendra sp. 'Java Black' – Mt. Merapi Giant Centipede | Jet-Black Volcanic Giant | Live Arrival Guarantee

Scolopendra sp. ‘Java Black’ — Mt. Merapi Giant Centipede

Size, life stage & quantity options

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• Size / stock option: Wild Caught 5 to 8"

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 volcanic slopes of Mount Merapi on the island of Java, Indonesia, comes one of the most striking all-black giant centipedes in the hobby. Scolopendra sp. ‘Java Black’ — also known as the Mt. Merapi Giant Centipede — is a large, powerfully built species with a deep, uniform jet-black coloration across the body and legs. No banding. No contrast. Just pure, glossy black from head to tail forcipules.

The Java Black is the centipede equivalent of a blacked-out muscle car — understated, menacing, and impossible to ignore.

Why Collectors Love This Species

• Uniform jet-black coloration — deep, glossy black across the entire body and legs; one of the cleanest all-black centipedes available in the hobby
• Volcanic locality — native to the slopes of Mt. Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes; a geographically compelling and rare provenance
• Impressive size — a large, robust Scolopendra with a powerful, heavy-bodied build that commands attention in any enclosure
• Extreme rarity — seldom available in the US hobby; a genuine collector’s specimen
• Bold and active — fast-moving, confident, and an aggressive feeder; endlessly engaging to observe

Care Overview

• Origin: Old World — Java, Indonesia (Mt. Merapi locality)
• 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: Large crickets, roaches, and other appropriately sized prey; powerful and aggressive feeder
• 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

Every specimen ships with our Live Arrival Guarantee. In the unlikely event of a DOA, photo and video documentation of the unopened or just-opened package is required to process a claim. Contact us immediately upon receipt.

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.