Blue ring centipede (Ethmostigmus trigonopodus)
Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE / CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Invertebrate · Centipede

Blue ring centipede care guide

Ethmostigmus trigonopodus

AdvancedMedically significant venom

The blue ring centipede is a advanced-level centipede from Sub-Saharan Africa. Adults reach Body 12–15 cm and live 5–10 years in captivity. Attractive blue-ringed centipede that burrows; give deep damp substrate.

  • Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
  • Temp 24–28°C
  • Humidity 70–80%

How much does a blue ring centipede cost in Canada?

Animal$40–80Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$150–280Enclosure $30–60 · equipment $60–150 · bioactive supplies ≈ $60
Yearly upkeep$20–40Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$210–400All prices CAD, estimates

Blue ring centipede quick facts

Skill level
Advanced
Adult size
Body 12–15 cm
Lifespan
5–10 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Sub-Saharan Africa
Minimum enclosure
30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
70–80%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Carnivore – crickets, roaches
Bioactive style
Tropical invertebrate

Blue ring centipede enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical invertebrate bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix10 cm

Keep the soil evenly moist and dig-friendly; a cork slab pressed onto the soil gives a ready-made scrape.

Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 70–80%. UVB: Not needed.

Some Canadian provinces and many municipalities restrict or ban this species. Check your local bylaws and any provincial permit rules before buying.

What does a blue ring centipede eat?

Carnivore – crickets, roaches. Feed 1–2 prey items weekly.

Handling, temperament & health

Fast and venomous; never handle.

Health watch: Dehydration and moult failures in dry substrate.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Visual check.

Weekly

  • Feed; remove leftovers.
  • Mist one side and keep the water dish full.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter.

Yearly

  • Refresh the top soil if it compacts.

Recommended for a blue ring centipede bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).

Blue ring centipede FAQ

Is the blue ring centipede good for beginners?

The blue ring centipede is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Fast and venomous; never handle.

What size enclosure does a blue ring centipede need?

At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a blue ring centipede cost in Canada?

Typically $40–80 CAD to buy, about $150–280 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $20–40 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a blue ring centipede need?

Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 70–80%.

What does a blue ring centipede eat?

Carnivore – crickets, roaches. Feed 1–2 prey items weekly.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.