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Native to Aotearoa / New Zealand, where it is found on Te Ika a Māui / North Island and nearby islands, more commonly in the north.
Giant centipede

Giant centipede

Māori name: hara, hura

English name: giant centipede

Scientific name: Cormocephalus rubriceps (Newport)

Order: Chilopoda;
Family: Scolopendridae

  • is native to Aotearoa / New Zealand, where it is found on Te Ika a Māui / North Island and nearby islands, more commonly in the north. It also occurs in Australia;
  • may grow up to 160 mm in length and 10 mm across;
  • shelters under or in logs and amongst leaves on the ground;
  • is carnivorous, crushing and piercing prey with its fearsome jaws, or mandibles;
  • has a bite that is painful although not harmful to humans.