Scolopendra cingulata
# Scolopendra cingulata

Scolopendra cingulata, also known as Megarian banded centipede, and the Mediterranean banded centipede, is a species of centipede, and "the most common scolopendromorph species in the Mediterranean area".

## Description

The species has alternating bands of black and yellow-gold. At approximately 10–15 centimetres (3.9–5.9 in), Scolopendra cingulata is one of the smallest species in the family Scolopendridae.

Its venom is also not as toxic as that of other scolopendrid centipedes.

## Distribution

Widely distributed, this species can be found throughout southern Europe, including Portugal and around the Mediterranean Sea, in such countries as Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Croatia, and Greece, around the Black Sea in South Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, as well as parts of North Africa.

## Habitat

Scolopendra cingulata is a burrowing animal, preferring dark, damp environments such as beneath logs and in leaf litter.

## Diet

Scolopendra cingulata is an opportunistic carnivore. It will attack and consume almost any animal that is not larger than itself. These include insects and small lizards.

