Northern Blue-Legged Centipede – Rhysida nuda

The Northern Blue-Legged Centipede (Rhysida nuda) is a striking predatory centipede known for its distinctive contrasting body and blue-toned legs.

An interesting addition to a specialist invertebrate collection, Rhysida nuda is an active and fascinating display animal. Like other centipedes, it requires secure housing and careful maintenance due to its speed, defensive behaviour and venomous bite.

Key Features

• Scientific name: Rhysida nuda
• Common name: Northern Blue-Legged Centipede
• Distinctive blue-toned legs
• Terrestrial predatory centipede
• Active and interesting display species
• Excellent addition to specialist invertebrate collections
• Requires a secure, escape-resistant enclosure
• Best suited to experienced invertebrate keepers
• Should be housed individually
• Carnivorous species

Housing

The Northern Blue-Legged Centipede should be kept in a secure, escape-resistant enclosure with appropriate ventilation.

Centipedes can move quickly and may take advantage of small gaps, making a secure-fitting lid and properly designed ventilation openings particularly important.

Provide suitable substrate along with hiding areas such as cork bark or other appropriate cover. This gives the centipede access to a dark and sheltered retreat.

Feeding

Rhysida nuda is a predatory carnivore and can be offered appropriately sized feeder invertebrates.

Uneaten prey should be removed where necessary, and fresh water should be provided in an appropriately sized shallow dish.

A Striking Display Centipede

The contrasting appearance and characteristic blue-toned legs make Rhysida nuda an especially interesting centipede for enthusiasts looking to expand an Australian invertebrate collection.

Its active predatory behaviour can make it fascinating to observe, while its relatively secretive nature means suitable hiding areas remain an important part of the enclosure setup.

Important Handling Information

Handling centipedes with bare hands is not recommended.

Centipedes can move rapidly and are capable of delivering a painful venomous bite. Appropriate tools and secure procedures should be used when feeding, cleaning or transferring the animal.

This species is therefore best suited to experienced invertebrate keepers rather than beginners or children.

Suitable For

• Experienced centipede keepers
• Invertebrate enthusiasts
• Specialist invertebrate collections
• Terrestrial invertebrate displays
• Keepers able to provide secure, escape-resistant housing

Frequently Asked Questions

What species is the Northern Blue-Legged Centipede?
The scientific name is Rhysida nuda.

Why is it called the Blue-Legged Centipede?
The common name refers to the distinctive blue to blue-toned appearance of the legs, which contrast with the body.

Can Rhysida nuda be handled?
Handling is not recommended. Centipedes are fast-moving predatory animals capable of delivering a painful venomous bite.

Can multiple Northern Blue-Legged Centipedes live together?
They are best housed individually.

What does Rhysida nuda eat?
It is a predatory carnivore and can be offered appropriately sized feeder invertebrates.

Does it need somewhere to hide?
Yes. Suitable hides should be provided so the centipede can retreat to a dark and sheltered area.