Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Tanzanian blue ringleg

Tanzanian blue ringleg

Scolopendra morsitans

A species of Centipede, Also known as Redhead centipede

Scolopendra morsitans, also known as the Tanzanian blue ringleg or red-headed centipede, is a species of centipede in the family Scolopendridae.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Bite Humans
Bite Animals
Bite Animals
General Info About Tanzanian blue ringleg
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Tanzanian blue ringleg
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Red
Habitat
Desert; rainforest
Adult Food Sources
Insects, arthropods, mollusks, small vertebrates, arachnids
Larva Food Source
Small insects, larvae, spiders, crustaceans, earthworms
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Tanzanian blue ringleg has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Tanzanian blue ringleg can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Tanzanian blue ringleg
Invasive species
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Tanzanian blue ringleg
Mammals (like shrews and badgers), larger birds of prey, snakes, larger carnivorous arthropods
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Tanzanian blue ringleg
Tanzanian blue ringleg can perform a unique 'lassoing' technique, wrapping its body around prey like a cowboy's lasso to subdue it before delivering a venomous bite.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Tanzanian blue ringleg
Tips for Finding Tanzanian blue ringleg
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Tanzanian blue ringleg
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests, Rotting and Decaying Matter, Caves and Subterranean Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Tanzanian blue ringleg
The most appropriate time to find tanzanian blue ringleg is during the night as they are nocturnal and much more active during this time, making it easier to spot them.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Tanzanian blue ringleg
Warm and humid conditions are suitable for finding tanzanian blue ringleg, as they prefer environments which replicate their natural habitats, typically tropical or subtropical regions.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Tanzanian blue ringleg at Different Life Stages
Juvenile Tanzanian blue ringleg juveniles are smaller, but similar in appearance to adults. Search for them in damp, dark locations such as under rocks, logs, or leaf litter where they may hide during the day.
Adult Tanzanian blue ringleg adults can be found by looking in similar environments as juveniles. At night, use a flashlight to search along walls, crevices, or forest floors where they hunt for insects and other small animals.
Are Tanzanian blue ringleg harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle

Are Tanzanian blue ringleg harmful to humans?

Tanzanian blue ringleg usually live in hidden places in forests or cities, and generally do not actively attack people. However, when it is disturbed, it is likely to bite, and severe pain and swelling will occur after being bitten by it.
Harmful Effects of Tanzanian blue ringleg
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Toxic to Humans
Icon toxic for
Toxic to Animals
Icon toxic for
Bite Humans
Rectangle
Toxic to Humans

Tanzanian blue ringleg are venomous centipedes that can inflict a painful bite on humans with their fangs (forcipules), injecting neurotoxins that may cause localized pain, swelling, and redness. While the venom is generally not life-threatening, symptoms can be intense and individuals may experience headaches, fever, nausea, and in rare cases more severe complications. Juveniles contain less toxin than adults. The species preys using a swift attack, subduing victims with venom. The bite risk is usually low unless handled or provoked.

Rectangle
Toxic to Animals

Tanzanian blue ringleg possesses a mild venom that it delivers through a sting, which can cause discomfort and localized reactions in animals such as humans and mammals. The severity of the reaction varies among different groups, with some experiencing more pronounced symptoms. Both juvenile and adult stages carry the toxin, implying that the organism is consistently capable of defending itself or subduing prey across its life cycle.

Rectangle
Bite Humans

Tanzanian blue ringleg may bite humans primarily in self-defense. Such incidents occur when they feel threatened, often due to accidental human contact. Tanzanian blue ringleg delivers the bite using sharp forcipules, which can cause mild to severe pain, swelling, and local tissue damage, corresponding with the development stage of the individual tanzanian blue ringleg.

More Effects of Tanzanian blue ringleg

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Tanzanian blue ringleg
Orange-footed centipede
Orange-footed centipede

Cormocephalus aurantiipes is a medium-sized centipede, capable of reaching lengths of up to 14 cm, but more commonly found around 10 cm.

Read More
Arrow
Eastern bark centipede
Eastern bark centipede

The eastern bark centipede (Hemiscolopendra marginata) is known for being accidentally caught by surprise, as it tends to live under chunks of bark. Regardless of their frightening appearance, they don't want anything to do with you. If you leave them alone, they are more likely to run around and eat dead bugs rather than ruin your day by stinging you.

Read More
Arrow
Giant centipede
Giant centipede

Head and body length 3.00 to over 6.25 in. The body is long and flattened. Coloration is dark or greenish-brown to orange or orange-yellow with black bands, with yellow legs and antennae; southern specimens tend to have blue or dark antennae.

Read More
Arrow
Giant desert centipede
Giant desert centipede

The giant desert centipede (Scolopendra heros) is otherwise known as the giant redheaded centipede because of its distinct red and greenish-black body. It uses venom to disable its prey and can eat every small rodent. It is colored in such a way that it discourages predators from eating it, not that it would want to be eaten.

Read More
Arrow
Florida keys centipede
Florida keys centipede

The vibrant florida keys centipede is known for its robust, segmented body displaying a dynamic range of color variations that serve as a warning for its potent venomous capability. This creature adapts to a carnivorous diet, preying upon insects, arthropods, and even small vertebrates with impressive precision. Its two modified legs, evolved into venomous forcipules, strike with remarkable speed and accuracy to subdue targets. Primarily nocturnal, this arthropod emerges under the shroud of darkness to assert its role as a formidable predator in its habitat.

Read More
Arrow
Peruvian giant yellow-leg centipede
Peruvian giant yellow-leg centipede

Scolopendra gigantea, also known as the Peruvian giant yellow-leg centipede or Amazonian giant centipede, is one of the largest centipedes of the genus Scolopendra with a length up to 30 centimetres (12 in). This species is found in various places in South America and the Caribbean, where it preys on a wide variety of animals, including other sizable arthropods, amphibians, mammals and reptiles.

Read More
Arrow
Tiger centipede
Tiger centipede

The tiger centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) has a combination of orange and black stripes which make them pretty easy to compare with a tiger. However, the size difference is pretty notable. They like to hang out under rocks but have been seen digging underground and hiding under logs.

Read More
Arrow
Pacific giant centipede
Pacific giant centipede

The pacific giant centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes) is often kept as a pet due to its beautiful appearance. It has a reddish-brown body, which is longer than most human hands. However, they shouldn't be handled because they can deliver a painful bite, which could cause serious swelling. Deaths from these bites are rare though.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow